Vol. 17 No. 20September 30 - , 2013

CBCP MonitorC1

KCFAPI Weeklong Activities

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KC-FAPI) through the Fraternal Benefits Group (FBG) has launched its newest product, the KC health Guard Plus last September 13, during the Fraternal Benefits Day and as part of the KCFAPI weeklong celebration from September 7 to 14. According to FBG Manager Migz P. Cabra, the KC health Guard Plus is a ten-year term life insurance coverage plan with five supplementary benefits such as Hospital Cash Benefit, Hospital Intensive Care Cash Benefits, Hospital Surgical Cash Benefits, Accidental Death and Disability Benefits, and Mon-ey Back Guarantee Benefits.This health coverage benefit plan was designed for K of C members and immediate fam-ily members to protect them from the high cost of medical expenses. Selected Fraternal Counselors who attended the seminar on KC health Guard Plus are allowed to sell the plan from September 15 to December 31, 2013. FBG also held a recognition program for the K of C Capitol Council 3695 and acknowl-edged 54 fraternal service awardees. For inquiries on the KC health Guard Plus, please call FBG department (02) 527-2243 or the KCFAPI hotline at (02) 527-2223.

Meanwhile, hundreds of K of C mem-bers, families and friends ran together to support the Cause for Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ last September 7. This ac-tivity was also offered, to heed the call of Pope Francis for a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria and a Marian Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe on

the following day.The proper program for the celebra-

tion of KCFAPI’s 55th Founding An-niversary was held on September 9, where the employees of KCFAPI and its subsidiaries gathered to witness in harmony the giving of service awards to deserving individuals namely: Ed-win B. Dawal (30 years in service), Ma. Theresa G. Curia, Mary Magdalene G. Flores, Cynthia G. Genosa (25 years in service), and Cyrus F. Lao (10 years in service). A certificate was awarded to Joan Apad for completing the Level 1 : Insurance Fundamentals of the Life Of-

fice Management Association (LOMA).Special citations were also given to

Evangelina Dawal, Michael De Castro, and Blenda Porillo as initial batch of winners of the KCFAPI P.e.e.R.

Prisoners Jail Apostolate was held on September 10 at the Manila City Jail. K of C Spiritual Director and Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Media Director Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III led the eucharistic celebra-tion. A short talk and consultation was

given to the inmates with the distribu-tion of Fr. Willmann pamphlets, prayer cards, and meals. The following spent their time for the Prisoners Jail Apos-tolate: Atty. Neil Jerome A. Rapatan, Greogorio e. Asis, Christine B. Valen-cia, Manuel L. Mendoza, Rick Jason D. Mariano, Marianne M. Malabanan, Jenika P. Villamar, Michael B. de Castro, Imelda S. Kabigting, Rowena P. Patricio, Resty Puno, Ramon C. Sanchez, Raoul A. Villanueva, KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia, and KCFAPI President and Luzon Deputy

Arsenio Isidro G. Yap.Around 70 expectant mothers from

the poor community within Intramuros received free giveaways, snacks and ultrasound screening on September 11. Dubbed “Celebration of Love and Life”, the project was spearheaded by Rowena Diapolit. Ultrasound initiative is part of the Ultrasound Program of the K of C worldwide aimed at providing women considering abortion a new way of viewing the life within them. Blessings of the expectant mothers were held by Msgr. Quitorio and an

inspirational talk and catechism was provided by Brother Raymond Bandril of the CBCP for Life.

A taxation seminar on how to reduce taxes ethically and legally was held on September 12 at the KCFAPI social hall with Dr. Ruperto P. Somera as the guest speaker a former Bureau of Internal Revenue official and distinguished

academician.The last day of the weeklong celebra-

tion culminated with the commemora-tion of the 36th death anniversary of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ on September 14. hundreds of K of C and KCFAPI employees attended the concelebrated TV Mass in the morning at the San Agustin Church.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr., DD was the main presider. Co-celebrants were Msgr. Pedro Quitorio III, Msgr. Joselito Asis, Fr. Jose William Araña, Fr. Joel Cariaso, Fr. Jeronimo Ma. J. Cruz, Fr. Asis Bajao, Fr. Isabelo San Luis, Fr. Clarence Carta, Fr. Ricky Villar, Fr. Arnold Sta. Maria, Fr. Geof-frey Eborda, Fr. Roy Gallano, Fr. Ariel Lara, and Fr. Marcial Laguna.

Lectors were Bro. Arsenio Isidro Yap

(first reading), Bro. Rene Sarmiento (responsorial psalm), Bro. Jose Reyes Jr (second reading), Bro. Alonso Tan (prayers of the faithful), Bro. Hilario Davide Jr (prayer for the cause of Fr. Willmann), and Bro. Ronulfo Antero Infante and family (prayer for the unity of the family).

Participants in the offertory were Sis. Theresa Curia, Bro. Joseph Teodoro, Bro. Ramoncito Ocampo, Bro. Danilo Sanchez, Bro. Balbino fauni, Bro. Ruperto Somera, Bro. Raoul Villanueva, Bro. Rodrigo So-rongon, Bro. Henry Reyes, Bro. Jose Reyes Jr, Bro. Arsenio Isidro Yap, Bro. Alonso Tan, and Bro. Hilario Davide, Jr.

honorguards from Padre Burgos As-sembly added solemnity to the TV Mass and the Catholic Youth Organization Unit 26 together with KCFAPI Chorale provided acapella music during the entire mass.

The weeklong celebration allowed the public a tour of the Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ Museum. (KC News)

Employees of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) together with their families and friends joined the Annual Tree Planting Activity of the Luzon Jurisdiction dubbed as “Puno Alay Ko Sa Kalikasan Year 6” conducted at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Novaliches Quezon City last September 21. The activity coincided with the 36th Death Anniversary of Fr. George J. Willmann SJ, the founder of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines.

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

Officers of the Order of the Knights of Columbus and KCFAPI together with Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, Jr., DD and concelebrants during the TV mass in commemoration of the 36th Death Anniversary of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ.

KCFAPI Chairman Hilario G. Davide, Jr. together with KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia and KCFAPI Vice President for Actuarial and Business Development Angelito A. Bala, attended the 62nd Installation of Officers of the K of C Three Kings Council 3939 for the CY 2013-2014 held at the Gapan City Gym last September 7.

The CrossC2 Vol. 17 No. 20September 30 - October 13, 2013

CBCP Monitor

CASeS of dengue virus infection were being reported all year round. It does not anymore choose any season. Children and adults may be affected resulting in increased number of absences in schools and offices. KCFAPI was not spared in such situation. Some employ-ees and their immediate family members were said to have been infected with the said virus.

Several information regarding dengue fever have been written and said. We know that a bite of a female mosquito transmits the virus. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, sometimes fatal, and the treatment is only supportive.

Another disease caught the attention of many Filipinos. This viral infection is called Chikungunya, which is endemic in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Several people from Mariveles, Bataan were diagnosed with

this disease recently. Curiosities arose be-cause of its similarities to dengue fever. Both are caused by breeding of mosquitoes, with dengue fever by the bite of Aedes Aegypti and Chikungunya, by the bite of both Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Albopictus. Symptoms are almost identical, patient experiences high grade fever, headache, lethargy, joint pain and rashes, but bleeding is more commonly seen in dengue fever. Chikungunya is rarely fatal and is a self limiting disease, and not as dangerous as dengue fever. Several methods can be used for diagnosis. Blood tests can detect the dengue virus or chikungunya virus in the blood during the first few days of infection, or antibodies against the viruses subsequently. There are no specific antiviral drugs for both.

Currently no vaccine is available for either dengue or chikungunya. Although

some dengue vaccines are being tested, they have not yet been approved. Treat-ment is mainly symptomatic and support-ive such as bed rest, analgesics and fluids. The most important measure is prevention by controlling the mosquito vector and taking necessary precautions in avoiding mosquito bites. Once you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, consult your family doctor.

Hilario G. Davide, Jr.

Chairman’s Message

Michael Cabra

My Brother's KeeperBest way to celebrate an anniversary!

The Cause for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJEMULATING the virtues that bespeak of sanctity of a person, like Father George J. Willmann, is what we need today to draw us into a deeper living out of the fullest meaning of our Catholic Faith in the context of increasing secularism. Thus, we believe, is one of the most important objec-tives in initiating the Cause of the good Father George.

As prescribed by the Congre-

gation for Causes of Saints in Rome, a person may be elevated to the honors of the altar if he has lived up to a “heroic” degree of the supernatural virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude and temper-ance. We believe that Father Willmann practiced them all to an exceptional degree.

In order to establish and wid-

en the fame of Sanctity of Father Willmann, may we call on all Brother Knights, their families and friends to respond to the following appeal:

• Submission of testimonies on Fr. Willmann’s heroic virtues;

• Recitation of Prayer for his Beatification in private and dur-ing K of C meetings and affairs;

• Invocation of his interces-sion in our prayers;

• Submission of Reports on answered prayers through the intercession of Father Willmann;

• Visitation of his tomb in the Sacred Heart Novitiate Cem-etery, Novaliches, Quezon City.

• Membership to Fr. George J. Willmann Fellows.

This is a challenge for all of us Knights of Columbus members, who dearly love Father George J. Willmann, SJ.

Prayer for the Beatification of Father George J. Willmann, SJBlEssED are You, Al-mighty Father, source of all goodness and wisdom. Look kindly upon us Your children, who are trying to serve You with all our heart. Deign to raise Fr. George J. Willmann to the honors of the altar.

He was the prayerful, strong, dauntless model that all of our Filipino men need in this new era; a man leading other men in the

care and formation of the youth; the relief of victims of war and violence; the al-leviation of the suffering of the poor; the preservation of the sanctity of life, mar-riage and the family.

Make him the lamp on the lampstand giving light to all in the house. Make him the city set on the mountain, which cannot be hidden, so that all of us may learn from his courage, his integrity,

and his indomitable spirit in the struggle to lead men to God, and to bring God to men.

Through his intercession, bestow on us the favour we ask You in faith and ac-cording to Your will (pause here and silently entrust to the Lord your petitions). Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be...

Arsenio Isidro G. Yap

President’s MessageLOOKING back in the weeks that past, we cannot help but wonder on the many things we had done in celebrating the 55th Anniversary of KCFAPI. Why and how we did them?

We started with the First Friday Mass with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a whole day vigil. Early next morning, we had a fun run dubbed as “Run5@55” and a prayer for peace to address the call of the Holy Father, Pope Francis. The following day, a Sunday and Mama Mary’s birthday, we had a Marian Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe which was followed by a catechism and feeding for children of the nearby de-pressed area.

We had the 55th Anniversary Mass to formally open the week-long activities and had some simple ceremonies. We also had a Prisoners Apostolate the following day. We conducted an Ultrasound Initiative for 53 pregnant women in cooperation with the Luzon Jurisdiction. The purpose of this program is to discourage them from even thinking of having their babies aborted.

A seminar on Taxation was also conducted and a special day for the Fraternal Benefits Group was held last Septem-ber 13 where we also gave recognition to Fraternal Coun-selors who had been in the service for at least ten years. The weeklong festivities was capped with a concelebrated mass at the San Agustin Church commemorating the 36th Death Anniversary of Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ officiated by Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez.

Finally, we also had a Tree-Planting Program held last September 21, which was initiated by the Luzon Jurisdic-tion in honor of Fr. George J. Willmann at the Sacred heart Novitiate in Novaliches where his body lies. A Eucharistic celebration opened the activity, which was immediately followed by a wreath laying at the tomb of Fr. Willmann and subsequently followed by the Tree-Planting within the compound wherein 2,500 trees were planted by about 800 participants.

Again, why and how we did them? Beats me. Ask Fr. George J. Willmann, SJ, the man who started all of these 55 years ago.

Luzon conducts relief operations in PampangaKCFAPI President and Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro G. Yap led the distribution of relief goods at the Holy Family Parish in Colgante, Apalit, Pampanga last September 17 together with State Program Director Bonifacio B. Marti-nez and former State Disaster Relief Chairman Saturnino Galang Jr.

Holy Family Parish Priest Fr . Aristot le L. dela Cruz blessed the 250 relief goods, 10 sacks of rice (from Luzon Jurisdiction) and 121 goods (with P3,500.00 cash) from Council 13776.

Regional Membership and Program Coordinator Victor Pulangco coordinated the logistics for distribution of goods with District Deputy (DD) Noel Timoteo of District S17, FDD F. Sampang and

KCFAPI scholar graduates Magna Cum LaudeOVER the years, the KC Phil-ippines Foundation, Inc. has helped a lot of youth to finish their studies through its schol-arship program. As of July 31, 2013, the Foundation has re-corded 293 scholars who have completed their college courses.

Last March 16, 2013, one of KCPFI’s scholars, Ms. Bernice Marsha F. Reyes, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a de-gree of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from the University of San Jose – Re-coletos Cebu City.

Ms. Reyes is the daughter of Bro. Marianito A. Reyes of Coun-cil no. 14244 and Sis. Carlota F. Reyes of Talisay City, Cebu. Aside from garnering academic awards during her high school in the same school, she was also active in various extra-curricular activities being the President of the Media Club and a member of Recolect Augustinian Youth (Campus Student Ministry), USJ-R public speaking class, Campus Ambassadors and Club Council

luzon state Officials together with Fr. Aristotle l. dela Cruz and other Kapampangan Brother Knights.

Financial Secretary Joselito C. Guzman of Council 13776 Colgante, Apalit, Pampanga.

Recently , the Luzon Ju -

risdiction together with the Knights of Columbus Frater-nal Association of the Philip-pines, Inc (KCFAPI) had dis-

tributed packs of relief goods (600 from Luzon and 400 from its insurance arm) in some areas in Laguna. (LuzonNews)

of 2008-2009.Currently, she is a grade

school english teacher at the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu – a Jesuit school. She recently wrote KCPFI to in-form us about her graduation with honors and to express her willingness to “render time and serve the organization.”

Congratulations to Ms. Reyes and the rest of the Batch 2013 KCPFI Scholar-Graduates!

AN anniversary is a day that commemorates or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same date of the year as the ini-tial event. The first event is the initial occurrence as foundation or, if planned, the inaugural of the event. One year later would be the first anniversary of that event. The word was first used for Catholic feasts to commemo-rate saints.

Last September 9, 2013, Knights of Columbus Fraternal Associa-tion of the Philippines, inc. (KC-FAPI) commemorated its 55th anniversary while its majority-owned company under the Keys Realty & Development Corpo-ration, Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels (hTMC) will celebrate its 31st anniversary this coming October 10, 2013. Anytime soon, many countries in the New World and elsewhere will celebrate the

anniversary of Christopher Co-lumbus' arrival in the Americas, which happened on October 12, 1492, as an official holiday.

What is common with these three anniversaries? Well, Knights of Columbus, chose that name in part because it saw Christopher Columbus as a fitting symbol of Catholic im-migrants' right to citizenship: one of their own, a fellow Catho-lic, had discovered America. KCFAPI, on the other hand, became the financial arm and protection of the Knights of Co-lumbus organization here in the Philippines. While, Holy Trinity Memorial Chapels became one of the majority-owned compa-nies of KCFAPI as it extends its mortuary services to Knights of Columbus members and family members.

Similar to these anniversary

celebrations, each of us has his/her own firsts to celebrate. First cell phone, first boyfriend/girl-friend, first car, first house, etc... But do you ever remember you first life insurance benefit certifi-cate? I believe for most members of the Knights of Columbus they would remember their first degree exemplification but very few would remember their first coverage with KCFAPI. Either they do not have one because no fraternal counselor had con-vinced them yet or they already forgot to pay their succeeding contributions... and so it lapsed.

A true Knights of Columbus member is mindful of his own life insurance protection. In fact, it is the number one objective of the Order of the Knights of Columbus. As stated in section 2 of the Charter Constitution of the Order, it says ‘To render

pecuniary aid to its members, their families and beneficiaries of members and their families’. It is also the reason why one of Fr. Michael McGivney’s initial aspirations is to ‘To set up an elementary system of insurance so that the widows and children of members in the group will not find themselves in dire financial straits’. To be a Knight is to be protected and to be protected is to have a life insurance benefit certificate.

As Columbus Day 2013 put it in theme: “Be Protectors of God’s Gift”. The best way to celebrate one’s special day, like birthday for an instance, is to give oneself the gift of protection, the gift of a life insurance policy. For Knights of Columbus members and family members it is the gift of KCFAPI Benefit Certificate to oneself.

WITH my sincerest pleasure and honor, I was asked to give a keynote address to the Masters of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus on the oc-casion of the 22nd Annual Provincial Assembly Meeting of the Ferdinand Magellan Province held in Cebu City on September 27-28, 2013.

The gathering carried this theme: “Be protectors of God’s gifts.” This was actually taken from the theme of the 131st Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus that was held in San Antonio, Texas last August 6-8, 2013. The Supreme Convention has drawn this beautiful phrase from the homily of Pope Francis at the mass inaugurating his Petrine ministry which by happy coincidence fell on the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19, 2013.

In the above-cited homily, the Holy Father said: “In the Gospel we heard that “Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took Mary as his wife” (Mt1:24). These words already point to the mission which God entrusts to Joseph: he is to be the custos, the protector. The protector of whom? Of Mary and Jesus; but this protection is then extended to the Church, as Blessed John Paul II pointed out: “Just as Saint Joseph took loving care of Mary and gladly dedicated himself to Jesus Christ’s upbringing, he likewise watches over and protects Christ’s Mystical Body, the Church, of which the Virgin Mary is the exemplar and model” (Redemptoris Custos, 1).

St. Joseph, the protector of the Holy Family, is a perfect model of the Knights of Columbus who, in a way, have also been entrusted to be protectors of life and the family. More-over, he also personifies the “manly virtues of quite strength, integrity and fidelity which the Knights of Columbus have sought to preserve, cultivate and pass on to the new genera-tions of Catholic men.”

Vivat Iesus!

Dr. Jaime M. Talag

Dengue vs. Chikungunya

The CrossCBCP MonitorVol. 17 No. 20September 30 - October 13, 2013

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The Creativity of LoveFollowing the lead of Pope Francis, the Order’s works of charity extend to those who may feel estranged from the Church

News BriefsVisayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorongon and State Secretary Anthony Nazario went to Bacolod City to hold a meeting with the Provincial and District Deputies of Negros Occidental. The meeting was attended by 5 Provincial Deputies and 19 District Deputies. Topics discussed were membership recruitment, new council development, council reactivation, round table, columbian squires, pilgrimage of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and submission of forms or reports. One district deputy submitted 1 new council and 45 forms which will be reported to the Supreme, another 100 forms from new members coming from the different District Deputies were likewise received on the said day. The District Deputies from Negros Occidental committed to meet their quota by October 31.

***The K of C Malabon Council 3951 celebrated their 64th year anniversary last September 7 with the Luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap and State Secretary Raoul Villanueva as guests of honor.

***The K of C Sta. Rita De Casia Council conducted a 2nd degree exempli-fication program last September 15. Thirty eight (38) candidates were exemplified from different councils of Luzon, including one from Baguio.

***District Deputy Voltaire S. Kalaw of District L46 together with other Brother Knights donated goods and cash to Biñan Council 7957 headed by Grand Knight Johnny Alarcon last September 17.

***Faithful Navigator Neil Villanueva took over as the new faithful navigator of Dasmariñas Assembly ACN 2634 on September 15. The ceremony was held at the La Mediterania Subdivision, Pala-Pala, Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

By Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson

The Liturgy as Celebration of FaithDO you know the most effective way to become beautiful? Look around. You might wonder how some people manage to stay beautiful despite all the hassles and pressures they encounter everyday. The secret? Holiness. The more a person engages himself/herself in prayer, the more that person becomes beautiful. At first look, being prayerful doesn’t seem to have any connection with our physical features but come to think of it, if you know how to pray in such a way that you can really build a deep relationship with God, you’ll start to have more faith and confidence in anything, big or small. This brings you less worries and less stress makes you more beautiful.

This is how Fr. Rolando U. Aquino, SVD encouraged us to be more prayer-ful. He is the Parish priest at the Na-tional Shrine of St. Jude Thaddeus, Vicar Forane of San Jose de Trozo and District Superior of SVD Manila District. The theme for this month’s catechism is Celebrating our Faith - The Liturgy. The term liturgy itself means celebration. It came from the Greek word Leitourgia: Laos meaning people and ergon mean-ing work which when put together, implies the activity of the Church.

Fr. Roqui, as he is fondly known, emphasized the three Pillars of the Catholic Faith which are the Word of God, Sacraments and Mission. he said that faith becomes meaningless if one of these three is ignored. he reminded everyone that when we attend Mass at Church, we attend to worship and not to function like an MMDA observing how the church attendees behave inside the Church, what they wear and whether they actively participate in the Mass. In the Philippines, when the priest reads the Homily, the tendency of parishioners is to think that he is not prepared. What matters for us is if the homily is not boring or if the priest can make us laugh or cry. But in the US, when Fr. Roqui prepared so much that he need not have to read from his copy, he was told that he was unprepared and that he did not do some research. he recalled that the St. Jude Parish Office often receives calls asking about the schedule of a particular priest. Again, he advised that to attend the Mass is to worship God and not to focus on the Homily, on the priest or on the people surrounding us.

He also mentioned that “If you choose

not to share or participate in the Liturgy then you are not supposed to enter in the very Worship proper to God. You defy God in worship or in Liturgy when you become individual or when you create enemies coming to the Church. … The purpose of the Church is to cre-ate Saints.”

He then explained the logo of the year of Faith. The Catholic Church is like a boat sailing in a pilgrimage towards a goal upon the rough seas where the sailors are challenged by modernism, individualism and values confusion. But rest assured that the boat has Christ in the center and the Sun which illumi-nates its path. Therefore the Holy Father calls upon us to deepen our faith by studying it, celebrating it and sharing it with other people. The big difference between “I love you as I love myself” and “I love you the way God loves me” can be compared in eating a chicken with a friend. When we love as we love ourselves, we share the chicken equally unlike when we love as God loves us, we give the entire chicken even when nothing is left for us. But why would we do such a sacrifice? Because one thing that never becomes boring is love. (Lei Ann B. Palacay)

Squires, Squire Rose hold ‘Search for Ambassador and Ambassadress for Peace’COLUMBIAN Squires Circle Francisco Marto 3340 and the St. William Squire Rose Circle Ph 0001 recently conducted the ‘Search for Ambassador and Ambassadress for Peace’ at the St. William Parish in San Mar-celino, Zambales headed by Fr. Michael Oliver Lucio.

The primary objectives of the activity were to promote unity within the Columbian Squires and Squire Roses, to discover their talents and skills and to promote peace not only among their members but also to the people of San Marcelino.

The project was more of a pageant show that promoted the youth organizations of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. Candidates were judged according to different categories such as Sports Wear, Casual Wear, Uniform, Formal Wear and Sunday Wear. Talent was also a factor in choosing the candidates.

There were four awards given, Ambassador of hope (4th place), Ambassador of Love (3rd place), Ambassador of Faith (2nd place) and the Ambassador of Peace (1st place).

Winners were John Sherwin Dela Cruz and Hazel Ordillas as the Ambassadors of hope, Karl Vince Esteban and Darla Martina Labio as Ambassadors of Love, Nikko Almojera and Maria Eva Theresse Pammit as the Ambas-sadors of Faith, and John Patrick Dela Cruz and Loeins Racel as Ambassadors of Peace.

The hosts for the event were Brother Squires Abbey Jeremy Garcia, Mencius Carlo Ventura, and Kurt Allen Paningbatan with Sister Squire Rose Alhex Adrea Peralta. Judges were Rev.

Fr. Michael Oliver Lucio, Brother Rodel Callo and Brother Bene-dict Flores.

The event was a joint proj-ect of the Columbian Squires, Squire Rose, and Knights of Co-lumbus. Attendees of the said event were mostly members of the organization, proud parents and friends.

The Ambassadors and Am-bassadress will represent their respective organizations and are expected to set good moral char-acter among the youth. (Squires News/Andro Degala)

FOLLOWING the election of Pope Francis, I made two obser-vations regarding our new Holy Father. The first was a compari-son with Blessed John Paul II. I suggested that just as the first pope from Poland had led a mobilization of Catholics behind the Iron Curtain, the first pope from Latin America has a similar opportunity to encourage a great renewal of the Church in Latin America.

The second observation was that the conclave of cardinals, in electing Pope Francis, had seem-ingly taken to heart the message of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI in his encyclicals on charity, since Pope Francis has shown throughout his ministry extraor-dinary solidarity with the poor.

Both themes were evident this past July during World Youth Day 2013, which took place in

Rio de Janeiro.Of course, there were many

unforgettable events during the pope’s visit, such as the 3 mil-lion pilgrims who attended the papal Mass on the beach. But I found one of the most important events to be Pope Francis’ July 27 address to bishops. On that occasion, the Holy Father said, “Dear brothers, the results of our pastoral work do not depend on a wealth of resources, but on the creativity of love.”

These words brought to mind the many ways that Knights of Columbus express “the creativ-ity of love” in millions of differ-ent acts of charity each year.

I thought, for instance, of brother Knights in Charlotte, N.C., who washed the feet of homeless men and provided them with new shoes on Holy Thursday of this year; of Knights in Chicopee, Mass., who pro-vided meals for more than 3,500 people last Thanksgiving; and of Knights in Warrenton, Va., who

raised and then delivered more than 20 tons of food and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

During his homily at World Youth Day’s Sunday Mass, Pope Francis spoke of a Church will-ing and capable of going to “the fringes of society,” and here, too, the work of our councils came to mind.

I could not help but think of our councils in Canada that brought wheelchairs to Vietnam or that support Catholic schools in the Holy Land; or of Knights in the Philippines who went into a remote village to build a cha-pel, bringing with them materi-als to evangelize those who were not Christian. In Mexico, brother Knights visited the villages of native people and replaced the dirt floors of homes with con-crete. Knights in Poland, mean-while, collected and repaired 400 sewing machines, which were then sent to women in Zambia so that they could support their

families with meaningful work.In his July 27 address to bish-

ops, Pope Francis also reiterated the need for a new evangeliza-tion.

“We have to face the difficult mystery of those people who leave the Church,” he said. “Per-haps the Church appeared too weak, perhaps too distant from their needs, perhaps too poor to respond to their concerns, perhaps too cold, perhaps too caught up with itself, perhaps a prisoner of its own rigid formu-las, perhaps the world seems to have made the Church a relic of the past, unfit for new questions; perhaps the Church could speak to people in their infancy but not to those come of age.”

The pope then concluded: “We need a Church unafraid of going forth into their night. We need a Church capable of meeting them on their way.”

This is a challenge that con-fronts not only bishops and priests. It confronts all Catholics

and especially the Knights of Columbus. Pope Francis is call-ing for a new global solidarity among Catholics and those who are in need.

Thousands of Knights respond to this challenge every day by living our principles of charity,

unity and fraternity with “the creativity of love.” But we cannot be content with what we have done in the past. Now is the time to do even more. Surely the Knights of Columbus is “capable of meeting them on their way.”

Vivat Jesus!

Fraternal Benefits Day with FC’s DD’s and GK’s at Bishops Hall, Butuan City, september 29, 2013.

FsT and Refreshers course for 47 FCs, (12 regular and 35 new recruits) at llido Hall, Butuan City, september 29-30, 2013.

1st Degree Exemplification 26 new lay members at Bishops Hall, Butuan City.

1st Degree Exemplification of 39 seminarians of the st. Peters seminary at Bishops Home, Butuan City, september 30, 2013.

The CrossC4 Vol. 17 No. 20September 30 - October 13, 2013

CBCP Monitor

The Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI) offered a wreath at the statue of Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney after a mass offered for the commemoration of the 123rd death anniversary of the Knights of Columbus founder. The mass was held at the oratory inside the KCFAPI home office in Intramuros, Manila In photo are KCFAPI President and luzon Deputy Arsenio Isidro Yap, Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia together with the Officers of the Knights of Columbus - luzon Jurisdiction and KCFAPI.

Padre Burgos Assembly Holds ‘Mission Run’The Knights of Columbus Padre Burgos Assembly will hold a “Mis-sion Run” on November 10 in sup-port of the construction of Santisimo Sacramento Chapel in Baseco, Tondo.

The noble cause will be held in In-tramuros Manila with 3K, 5K and 10K

Road Run within the ‘Walled City’. Registration begins on September 15 with a fee of Php500.00 (3K, 5K) and Php600.00 (10K) inclusive of Singlet, Race Number, Finisher Shirts and Medals. The Road Run is being organized by the Greentennial Run.

Registration venues are available at A Runner’s Circle Manila and Mizuno Outlets (Trinoma, Galleria, BGC, SM MOA and Festival Mall).

For inquiries, please visit the web-site of Pinoy Fitness at www.pinoyfit-ness.com. (KC News)

KCFAPI-FBG Manager Michael P. Cabra together with the participants of the september Fraternal Service Training.

The Knights of Columbus Mary Help of Christians (MHC) Council 8256 donated three boxes of medicines for the use of the MHC parish clinic. This donation of medicines is being done over the last couple of years through the initiative of the council members to help provide for the medicine requirements of the parish clinic which serves the residents of the developing communities needing medical attention. The council’s commitment is to at least provide quarterly donation of basic medicines such as paracetamol, expectorants, and vitamins for the use of the patients receiving treatment from the MHC parish clinic.

Newly exemplified Fourth Degree Members of Msgr. Henry C. schmitz Assembly ACN 2995 with Host Assembly Antonio C. dela Cruz Assembly ACN 3215 and Faithful Navigator Arturo Alisangco Morta.

The sta. Teresita Council 12308 conducted a "sagip Mata" free prescription glasses (doble vista) to more than 400 beneficiaries at the sta. Teresita Parish Church Gym, Mayon st., Quezon City last September 21. The activity was made in honor of their patron saint sta. Teresita Del Niño Jesus on her feast day and in commemoration to the death anniversary of Fr George J. Willmann SJ, the founder of the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines.

FIFTY four (54) soliciting as-sociates (SA) of Mace Insur-ance Agency attended the orientation seminar on Per-sonal and Group Accident In-surance held last September 26, 2013 from 1pm to 5 pm at the Fr. George J. Willmann SJ Memorial Building.

Mace President, Bro. Joseph P. Teodoro gave the welcome remarks and inspirational messages to participants. Mr. Teodoro also announced a one (1) month incentive to boost the sales of SA's.

The seminar was sponsored by Philippine British Assur-ance Company, Inc. Present

during the orientation were Philippine British Assurance Company, Inc. President, Ms. Rosario W. Cuyegkeng, AVP for Claim, Mr. Fil Real, and head of Marketing Mr. Ronald Veloso,

Speakers from PhilBritish who presented their prod-ucts to participants were Mr. Erick Daquioag, Customer Development Officer and Mr. Allan Sta. Ana, Head Under-writer for casualty lines.

Certificates of Attendance and raffle prizes were pro-vided to all participants at the end of the seminar. (Basil Occeno)

Attendees of the orientation seminar conducted by Mace Insurance Agency, Inc. last september 26, 2013.

Orientation Seminar on Personal and Group Accident Insurance

22nd Annual Provincial Assembly of District Masters and KCFAPI Time at Welcome Hotel, Cebu City, sept. 27-28.

22nd Annual Provincial Assembly Meeting

Ferdinand Magellan ProvinceSeptember 27-28, 2013

Wellcome Hotel, Cebu City

The 22nd Annual Ferdinand Magellan Provincial Assembly Meeting with the theme “Be Protectors of God’s Gifts” was held last September 27-28, 2013 at Wellcome Hotel, Cebu City.

Acquaintance and pre-assembly meeting was held last September 27. The thrusts of the Fourth Degree for fraternal year 2013-2014, membership and new assembly goal setting were discussed.

The formal Opening Business Session was held last September 28 wherein Vice Supreme Master Dioni-sio R. Esteban, Jr. gave his Inaugural

Address. The Keynote Address was delivered by KCFAPI Chairman For-mer Chief Justice Hilario G. Davide, Jr. Other prominent KC and KCFAPI officers were also guests speakers – Supreme Director Alonso L. Tan, Mindanao Deputy Balbino C. Fauni, Visayas Deputy Rodrigo N. Sorong-on, Past Mindanao Deputy Sofronio R. Cruz, and KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia.

Before the investiture, a recollec-tion was given by KCFAPI Spiritual Director Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio III followed by a Holy Mass.

Once again, KCFAPI extends its warmest congratulations on the ap-pointment of Vice Supreme Master Dionisio R. Esteban, Jr. and the fourteen (14) District Masters – Joseph C. Sta. Maria (D1), Armando C. Gonzales, (D2), Pedro M. Manlansing (D3), Deovides F. Reyes (D4), Isagani B. Maghirang (D5), Isagani M. Salvador (D6), Pepito O. Palomero (D7), Jorge D. Cabalit (D8), Rufino P. Soriano (D9), Jose Q. Tan, Jr. (D10), Macodi M. Agus (D11), Reynaldo C. Trinidad (D12), Tomas Clemente D. Casipe (D14), Florencio J. Amparo II (D15).