Happy Sunday, 🛐 faith chat room! Sharing my latest Thought Leaders piece for Rappler - on the 21-year-old man who went viral for firing a water gun at a delivery rider during the Feast of Saint John the Baptist in San Juan: https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/the-wide-shot-public-stoning-of-boy-dila-lexter-castro/

How do you feel about Castro - whom netizens baptized as "Boy Dila" - and how the nation retaliated against him? Share your thoughts @here !

The faithful venerate the original and canonically crowned image of Our Lady of Consolation, by touching a belt strapped around her, as she visits the Manila Cathedral for the Dalaw Consuelo on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The visit to the Manila Cathedral is a preparation for her upcoming feast on the Second Sunday of September, September 8, 2024.

The belt or cincture is an integral part of the iconography of the said title of Our Lady, as story says the Virgin Mary appeared to a distressed Saint Monica who was praying for the conversion of her wayward son, Augustine, who later became a saint and doctor of the Church. Our Lady handed to her a belt as a sign of consolation that her son would convert.

Thanks @Anton Maria Francesco Carabeo ! Beautiful photos! Did you take these photos and may we repost on Rappler?

Thank you Sir @Paterno Esmaquel II ! Yes. You may do so po.

Posted on Rappler! Thank you as always, @Anton Maria Francesco Carabeo ! Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/bLbtEArqpf4uZQ6e/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Thank you rin po Sir @Paterno Esmaquel II !

Good Monday morning, 🛐 faith chat room! And welcome @charlespangilinan24 !

Dear channel members, if you have story ideas that you'd like us to pursue this week or in the coming weeks, let us know by posting here!

I still remember your story idea on what you described as "schismatic Catholics in the Philippines," @Abolisyonista . Thank you for that!

Welcome to the 🛐 faith chat room, @Ethan @TrentL !

Regarding the ecological items in the CBCP press conference today, we'll have @Rodne Galicha, executive director of Living Laudato Si' Philippines, who was also in Cagayan de Oro City when the plenary was taking place. Our brief chat with Rodne will roughly be from 5 to 5:20 pm today. Join us if you're free!

For reference during our brief chat with @Rodne Galicha , here are the main ecology-related points tackled by the CBCP during its plenary assembly in Cagayan de Oro. Here is the rough transcript produced via AI (GoodTape) and checked/vetted by yours truly:

"Among our ecological resolutions are the following. Firstly, we have approved to be a co-signatory to a joint letter with other Episcopal conferences, a letter to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the Dicastery for Divine Worship to celebrate the Feast of Creation, but in unity with our neighbor Christian churches. Secondly, we have resolved to stand by our commitment as a conference of bishops to divest from financial institutions that are involved in businesses that are destructive to the environment, such as extractive mining and anti-life industries, and we gave ourselves a time frame, 2025. Thirdly, we have resolved to stand by our earlier commitment not to accept donations from individuals and companies involved in businesses that are destructive to the environment, like the ones I mentioned a while ago. Fourthly, we are going to endorse and support the 10 million solar rooftops challenge. Fifth, we will elevate our ecology desk in all our ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the country. The dioceses upgrade them into integral ecology ministry. We no longer just call them ecology desks but integral ecology ministry. Lastly, we will come up with a pastoral statement to actively work against plastic pollution and support the ecological solid waste management endeavors of government and non-government agencies."

Good afternoon

Hello @Rodne Galicha ! Thank you for agreeing to a brief conversation. First of all, can you tell us why you joined the bishops during the plenary in Cagayan de Oro?

Living Laudato Si' Philippines (LLS) as part of Eco-Convergence, CBCP's arm for ecological concerns facilitated by Caritas Philippines composed of episcopal commissions and civil society, we are providing support to assist dioceses through their bishops in their environmental advocacies and needs.

The decisions reached are timely and such provide concrete and direct actions, both practical and spiritual. One significant outcomes is the integral nature of care for creation which inlude human rights, rights of nature and climate justice. This highlights Pope Francis' words in Laudato Si' par 49: "Today, however, we have to realize that a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach; it must integrate questions of justice in debates on the environment, so as to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor."

Thanks @Rodne Galicha . Regarding the objective to divest from financial institutions involved in mining, and to reject donations from mining companies and the like, how far is the Catholic Church from achieving its goal?

As regards divestment from financial institutions and companies, public disclosures show that there have been Catholic institutions and entities which actually divested. However, divestment does not only include withdrawing shares or investments but also influencing companies and banks to divert finances to renewable energy and genuinely sustainable ventures. Dialogue is very important for ecological conversion.

Ohhh. Which institutions are these? Can you give examples @Rodne Galicha ?

These are based on public documents/disclosures by companies and corporations

Thank you @Rodne Galicha ! Just one last question for now: In your opinion, what more should the Philippine Catholic Church do to help protect the environment?

The Philippine Roman Catholic Church has been in doing its best in protecting the environment. Many dioceses and Catholic institutions are already formulating plans of action for the achievement of Laudato Si' Goals through the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP). The synergy and coordination between faith communities need to be enhanced and strengthened.

Thank you for your inputs @Rodne Galicha and sorry for going overtime! I learned a lot and surely our 🛐 faith chat room members learned a lot, too. If other chat room members have questions for Rodne, feel free to bring them up here any time - since Rodne is also a member of the chat room. But for now we'll let Rodne go... I know he has a lot on his plate!

We also invite everyone to join the 10 million solar rooftop challenge. This is a concrete way to realize net zero carbon communities, democratizing energy generation and empowering communities for climate action. Catholic churches, schools and institutions have wider rooftops to offer to generate electricity not only for its own use but for the communities.

I included part of our conversation in this story, @Rodne Galicha ! Thank you again for your inputs! https://www.rappler.com/philippines/report-catholic-bishops-donations-mining-companies-cbcp/

Sharing video excerpts from today’s CBCP press conference…

This is a big step to make response in Pope Francis' call to take care our common home.

Good Tuesday morning 🛐 faith chat room! And welcome @Weng !

Happy Tuesday, 🛐 faith chat room! Sharing here a story from last Saturday (featuring insights from this chat room!) about church workers and tattoos. Thank you, @Rex, @Michelle Roque, @Wes , and to everyone who joined our conversation! 🥰 https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipinos-online-community-app-responses-church-workers-tattoos-piercings/

This is a firm choice for ecological goodness. Of course, when someone receives donations from mining companies and other firms that are destroying the environment, they are advocates for environmental damage. It's like you are partaking of the agenda for progress and development but collaborating for ecological compromise.

LAYAG: Student Catholic Action Reaffirms Commitment to Evangelization and Transformation at 88.

Bauang, San Fernando, La Union – The vibrant spirit of youth and the unwavering commitment to faith converged in Bauang, La Union, as the Student Catholic Action of the Philippines (SCAP) celebrated its 88th year with the 14th National Leadership Conference. Held from July 6 to 12, 2024, the week-long event, themed "LAYAG: Witnessing Faith at 88," is bringing together student leaders, animators, and chaplains from across the country for a transformative faith experience.

The conference serves as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and action, focusing on critical issues facing our young today: mental health, social justice and peace, climate crisis, and good governance.

A Journey of Faith and Action:

"LAYAG," a Filipino word meaning "to sail," aptly captures the conference's essence. Participants embarked on a journey of faith, navigating the complexities of the modern world while grounding themselves in the principles of Catholic Social Teachings.

The conference kicked off with an opening mass, where participants were reminded of their call to be agents of change in their communities.  The ongoing workshops and plenary sessions provide a space for deep reflection on the chosen themes.

A Legacy of Leadership:

The 14th SCAP National Leadership Conference is not merely a gathering but a movement.  It aims to empower student leaders to be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to become catalysts of channge in their respective families, schools, parishes and the community.  They pledged to carry the spirit of LAYAG forward, witnessing their faith through concrete action, advocating for justice, and working towards a more equitable, inclusive, sustainable and peaceful society.

TURUMBA SA LAWA NG CALIRAYA | Sharing some photos from today’s event as the framed image of Nuestra Senora delos Dolores de Turumba, the first canonically crowned Marian image of Laguna, made a historic visit through a fluvial procession on Caliraya Lake in Lumban, Laguna, which is known as the first man-made lake of the Philippines. The parishioners and devotees from Lumban warmly welcomed the venerated image, together with their patron saint, San Sebastian Martir.

This event is part of the Diocese of San Pablo’s Lakbay Panalangin with the theme “Lakbay Panalangin ng Mahal na Birhen ng Turumba, Kasama si Maria Halina’t Mamanata para sa Kalikasan,” which aims to give honor to Our Lady of Turumba as the patroness of Laguna’s Environmental Stewardship.

Hello, @baste soccom lumban! Thank you for sharing these! To whom can we credit the photos?

Is online shaming the answer? 🤔

Lexter Castro, a 21-year-old San Juan City resident, went viral for firing a water gun at a delivery rider and sticking out his tongue during the Feast of Saint John the Baptist on June 24. He was bullied, demonized, sent fake deliveries, and nicknamed Boy Dila. Does any wrongdoer deserve this treatment? @here

READ MORE: https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/the-wide-shot-public-stoning-of-boy-dila-lexter-castro/

You can put the credits under our org name, San Sebastian Parish SocCom-Lumban. Thanks.

Thanks!

Good evening, 🛐 faith chat room! Sending @here the prompt for our discussion this week. Let us know what you think!

As part of the Catholic Church’s promise to refuse donations from firms that destroy the environment, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urges the faithful to report bishops who accept donations from mining companies.

Is it alright for religious leaders to reject donations?

Sending @Paterno Esmaquel II's story on CBCP's request: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/report-catholic-bishops-donations-mining-companies-cbcp/

For me, okay ang rejection of donation from from mining companies... kasi baka isipin ng mga companies na ito ay dahil tinatanggap ng mga obispo ang donations nila.. so its okay lang na mag illigal mining... may ganung traps kasi in the society

Thank you, @Jeremy Josef! Aside from mining companies, mayroon pa kayang ibang kinds of donors na dapat tanggihan ng mga religious leaders?

Good Wednesday afternoon 🛐 faith chat room and welcome @baste soccom lumban ! Thanks for the Instaquote @Vixey Lema and the conversation @Patricia Kahanap !

well dito sa amin kasi, as much as possible umiiwas kami sa Government donations you know.. to avoid yung kampihan or what

Last June 23, 2024 Our Lady of the Pillar Parish in Alaminos Laguna. Announced the granting of "Spirtual Bond" from Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain to Our Lady of the Pillar in Alaminos, Laguna. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/e7nV2kzWE64aGqvc/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Happy Thursday, everyone! Bumping up our weekly discussion for those who missed it. Is it alright for religious leaders to reject donations?

Welcome to the 🛐 faith chat room, @Delfin Victor Delos Reyes, @TOLP_SocCom Cavinti, @chell, @maayosnamanako, and @Kent Gervin! Thank you for joining us! What are your thoughts on the topic?

Hello! I've been inactive in this channel na. I would like to share my feature article that I intended to reflect the current state of religious institutions. It is published in the website of our campus publication and will be my last independent article as a SHS student. Let me know what you think!

theescolarian.org/feature/how-to-raise-sheep

Wow thank you for this @Roi Victoria ! I'll check out later! And welcome back!

the term if Satan appears to me ang gives me money is quite confusing...

The church relies on the generosity of the people of God. and the allocation for this is distributed among other necessities needed.

Though the intention of the donor must be respected at all times, we must remember that good ends do not define that something is good. We have to look at the means: in this case, money. If the source of funding is ethically dubious, it is still the Church’s duty to call this out. After all, is not it the case that the Church calls everyone to live a life that is “marangal,” included there is “marangal na pagtratrabaho at paghahanapbuhay (paghahanap ng pangkabuhayan)?”

In honor of Saint Benedict of Nursia, a mass was celebrated in the Monastery of St. Benedict in Lipa City, Batangas, yesterday. The veneration of the relic followed after the mass. 

St. Benedict is known as the "Father of Western Monasticism" and his symbol is the St. Benedict medal, which the Catholics believe could drive away evil spirits. 

Good Friday morning 🛐 faith chat room! And welcome @Jonas Peradilla ! Are these your photos, Jonas, and may we repost them on Rappler?

In relation to @Patricia Kahanap 's question - "When is it okay for religious leaders to deny donations?" - how do you feel about church donations from POLITICIANS? 🤔

Yes, sir. Sure. Thank you!

‘WE CAN ONLY PROPOSE BUT NEVER IMPOSE’

In a statement released on Thursday, July 11, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the faithful to “discern together” if the Philippines should legalize divorce, even as it maintained that the Catholic Church cannot impose its beliefs on the state.

What do you think of the CBCP’s stand on the issue? @here

I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts on this, 🛐 faith channel! I'll include the best inputs in this Sunday's edition of The Wide Shot. Thank you!!

yes, that Church can deny donations from politicians.

Why do you think so, @Jeremy Josef , when such donations may help the poor?

1. Politicians can hold certain bishops and priests in their own agenda.
ex. Elections...

2. Politicians can use this as their way of corruption.
ex. walang tax ang Donation so pwede mag request sila ng any amount at certain portion lang ang kanilang ibibigay sa Bishops and priest..

3. Yes it can help the poor, but let us be mindful once it is in the hands of the Bishop and priest.. it is in their own prerogatives where to use and put it...

The Catholic Church in our country has lost its fervor and stand against the laws that we are fighting for.

When such a donation is surely coming from a bad means then the church people must reject it, you cannot use bad means for a good end. The Church is always clinging to the Divine Providence and it knows that the Lord will help them without them accepting anything that comes from a dirty hand. But if the politician has a very good intention, without any malice,and the money is not coming from a bad means then the Church must accept it as a sign of the persons devotion to the Church and as someone who is following one of the precepts of the Catholic Church.

@Paterno Esmaquel II Palpak naman ang gamit ng CBCP ng statistical findings. I stated my concern here in a comment in CBCP News's post showing the CBCP's pastoral statement (See screenshot of my comment below):

https://www.facebook.com/cbcpnews/posts/pfbid02WBviB8Jku9qRVVXrKA78NWkn4PEAGpLT6GBMsB2T29QER1QzDs786TqG2bu41GcXl?comment_id=2683698311804554

Here is the main post from CBCP News:

https://www.facebook.com/cbcpnews/posts/pfbid02WBviB8Jku9qRVVXrKA78NWkn4PEAGpLT6GBMsB2T29QER1QzDs786TqG2bu41GcXl

Kung gusto nila "on the basis of research and statistics," puwede ba itama naman nila ang gamit nila ng statistics? Isa nga lang ang statistical result na gamit nila sa pastoral statement, palpak pa.

Tapos natawag pa akong "OA" ng kapwa commenter doon. Dati, tawag sa fact checkers "cRappler," "Pera Files," "bayaran," "t*nga" or the like. Ngayon, pati "OA" nasama na?

This is interesting @Jeremy Josef from your POV as ex-seminarian! Do you have story ideas to share with Rappler? Feel free to email me at pat.esmaquel@rappler.com 😇

@Paterno Esmaquel II Ang yabang-yabang e. May "on the basis of research and statistics" pang nalalaman pero nag-iisa na nga lang ang statistical assertion nila sa pastoral letter, palpak pa.

So what do we do with them, now that we have demonstrated na may false information sila sa pastoral letter - na hindi naman "in countries where civil divorce is legal" ang sakop, kundi ang US lang? Paano kung ipahayag ito sa mga misa, sa mga Religion classes, at sa kung saan-saan pa?

If I feel like it, and you know that I do (and if Rappler @Rappler Admin feels like it), as one of Rappler's fact-check contributors, gagawan ko ng Rappler fact-check ito. I just don't know if sakop pa ito ng Rappler fact-checking.

Also, may "on the basis of research and statistics" pang nalalaman ang mga ito pero puro doktrina naman ang laman.

Another thing: I've had encounters with those "lay ecclesial" movements they are talking about in the letter and I've seen them at least once na pumapalpak sa logic, sa pag-interpret ng research, or kahit sa basic definitions. Isang example ay yung akala nila na ang "civil divorce" ay "legal separation" 🤣 🤣 🤣

Interesting! Thank you for sharing your thoughts @Percy !

@Paterno Esmaquel II Dagdag ko lang. May mga nagtatanggol pa talaga ng mali o:

https://www.facebook.com/cbcpnews/posts/pfbid02WBviB8Jku9qRVVXrKA78NWkn4PEAGpLT6GBMsB2T29QER1QzDs786TqG2bu41GcXl?comment_id=2683698311804554&reply_comment_id=361912946688214

The statement reflects the stance of the Church on freedom: while it suggests and counsels, it does not force itself to the decision process of the believer. At the end of the day, buhay yun ng faithful, and siya yung may hawak nun (and not the Church). Hindi pipilitin. This is why I appreciate its tone and main message: we cannot impose but only propose.

The same goes to politicians who will decide on this: at the end of the day, the Church can only suggest but never command or force them to adhere to its doctrinal stand. It is up to them to decide.

There are, however, things I’d like to suggest: first, it would be better if they translate this letter to other languages or dialects here in the country so that they can reach more people. Second, through their Research Office (yes, the CBCP has one) and Religious Affairs Research Office (that is in partnership with some Catholic universities in the country), they can issue a proper report (not only done by Church people but with academics) akin to their synodal report that highlights what Filipinos truly think of the matter. Third, which does not concern this letter, provide better pastoral resources to those in need of them.

By the way @Paterno Esmaquel II I'll let CBCP take over this; I sent them an email detailing my concerns. If they take my concern as seriously as they should, then a correction may be coming.

Thanks po for sharing your photos, asking din po we can repost these @JM Arcedera?

Yes po! So that we can promulgate the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de Turumba of Pakil Laguna

thanks po! @JM Arcedera do we credit these photos to you? :)

thank you rin po sa mga picture! https://www.facebook.com/rapplerdotcom/posts/pfbid0cUoPLQLMNVcvJnMNBKjY5M642d1fcHKScG3BLZ9segeawKLk8rA8QcdhH7aiCrMgl

Thank you for these photos @jose and @MJ Catequista ! May we ask whom to credit for the photos, and if we can publish on Rappler?