Child Labor Provokes Boycott of Philippine Exports

The United States has called for a boycott of a dozen Philippine exports because of the widespread use of child labor in agriculture, tobacco, pig raising, fireworks and the making of child pornography. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB), acting under the US Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 and 2008, says some Philippines exports should be boycotted by US customers.

This is a devastating blow to the Philippine economy and should never have happened but it is a powerful argument for the promotion and adoption of Fair Trade criteria. The US Department of Labor report covers 58 countries worldwide and the Philippines is among the offenders. The report is an indication of the international outrage at and concern for the plight of hundreds of thousands of exploited Filipino children. The Philippine Department of Labor (DOLE) says it is doing all it can to stop the abuse. Many of the Filipino ruling elite living in obscene luxury apparently have no knowledge of or interest in the plight of the children.

Children work as long as 12 hours a day on banana plantations that are sprayed with deadly pesticides and efforts by church and NGO groups to have them banned have largely been ignored by the powerful politically well-connected tycoons who own most of the export plantations.

While there is much that needs to change, Fair Trade and ethical trading is growing in the country and boosting exports. Philippine Brand and Preda Fair Trade dried mango is what the government should be promoting and customers are buying. They are free of child labor, chemicals and additives and bring great benefits to children and their families. The proceeds help the children of farmers and the victims of abuse.

Fifteen-year-old Amabelle was telling her story and being supported and comforted by Maria, the social worker. This safe haven is PREDA Children’s Home, partially supported by the sale of Preda Fair Trade Dried mangos. Here, she found a safe haven and protection from her sexual abusers and exploiters. She told how she was brought from her rural village, lured with the promise of a job in a posh hotel but instead sold to a sex club. She owed money for transport, food, board and lodging and would be jailed if she refused to pay. She was forced to dance nude while being videotaped. Later she was taken to a cubical at the back of the sex club and raped. The horrific abuse was videotaped to be sold and spread over the internet as child pornography. This is nothing unusual, such child sexual abuse being commonplace here with the complicity of corrupt officials who give operating permits to the sex clubs. The uncontrolled flood of foreign and local sex tourists hungry for sex with minors are the big spenders. They enjoy impunity from investigation, arrest, and prosecution. Between January and August this year almost four million tourists entered the Philippines. How many of them were single males? This is an increase of 4 % over this time last year according to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

According to some critics, the root of the problem is the non-prosecution of the suspects due to corruption, bribery and political influence. However there are too few prosecutors due to low pay, huge case work and the failure of police to investigate, gather and present credible evidence against abusers and traffickers. Meanwhile, the children suffer unbelievable abuse in this modern sex slavery. Foreign governments, the World Bank and Asian Development Bank give millions of taxpayers' money to the Philippine government for so called 'development projects'. Much of it is siphoned off by corrupt officials for lavish living.

But little is given to NGO’s providing safe havens and legal assistance to the countless victims of child sexual exploitation especially done by local and foreign nationals. And at what stage is the prosecution of that suspected pedophile, an official of the World Health Organization caught in the act with small boys in his car in Metro Manila? Unless there is an awakening among Filipinos to defend the rights of exploited children, hundreds of pedophiles and sex tourists will continue to abuse minors with impunity. END

http://www.misyononline.com/misyonforum/?q=node/970#comment-602

Feast of Saint Monica, Mother of Saint Augustine

The circumstances of St. Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious. Monica also had to bear with a cantankerous mother-in-law who lived in her home. Patricius criticized his wife because of her charity and piety, but always respected her. Monica’s prayers and example finally won her husband and mother-in-law to Christianity. Her husband died in 371, one year after his baptism.

Monica had at least three children who survived infancy. The oldest, Augustine, is the most famous. At the time of his father’s death, Augustine was 17 and a rhetoric student in Carthage. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted the Manichean heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact, she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted.

When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine’s trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan. In Milan, Augustine came under the influence of the bishop, St. Ambrose, who also became Monica’s spiritual director. She accepted his advice in everything and had the humility to give up some practices that had become second nature to her (see Quote, below). Monica became a leader of the devout women in Milan as she had been in Tagaste.

She continued her prayers for Augustine during his years of instruction. At Easter, 387, St. Ambrose baptized Augustine and several of his friends. Soon after, his party left for Africa. Although no one else was aware of it, Monica knew her life was near the end. She told Augustine, “Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now left for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.” She became ill shortly after and suffered severely for nine days before her death.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/Saint.aspx?id=1120

Spanish Teresian Lectures on Psychology

Teresian Association (TA) Bacolod celebrated the feast of their founder, Saint Pedro Poveda, on July 28, 2009. As part of their celebration, they facilitated a series of lectures in their residence at Poveda House, 17th Street Lacson, Bacolod City last August 9 and 10. TA members, collaborators, friends and a member of Little Way Group from Kabankalan Diocese participated in the lectures.

Maria Rosa Elosua, a Teresian from Spain, generously shared her invaluable time and expertise in the field of education and psychology. She runs the Department of Basic Psychology at the Universidad de Educacion a Distancia in Spain and a prominent figure in the fields of Psychological Research in Europe. Rosa, as she is fondly called in the association, shared some important aspects of her researches on Cognitive Psychology especially on thinking, comprehension and working memory.

Discussions followed and snacks were served. The talk concluded with the thought that we are intelligent human beings and our knowledge should be shared and applied for the good of the community through the education of our children.

News from the South

Mission directors and collaborators gathered at Elijah Center in Tagbilaran City, Bohol last August 3 - , 2009 for their annual convention with the theme: “Let the Children Come to Me.”

The convention was presided by Fr. Socrates C. Mesiona, MSP the newly appointed National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in the Philippines (see http://www.msp.org.ph/news.do?id=4157).

Sixteen mission directors from the different dioceses in the Philippines participated in the said convention. Kabankalan diocese was represented by Fr. Jose Rembert Rivera, mission director and Fr. Jose Severino Nacional III.

Mother of Life also launched the module on Holy Childhood during the convention.

New Assignments!

The following are the parishes whcih have newly installed parish priests!

• Parish of Binalbagan - Fr. Joel Rubin
• Parish of Aguisan - Fr. Carlos Ybesate
• Chaplaincy of Oringao - Fr. Eryl Agus
• Chaplaincy of Binicuil - Fr. Jose Maria Cadungon
• Parish of La Castellana - Fr. Richard Lachica (Associate parish priest)

Let us fervently pray for our priests:

Most gracious Heavenly Father, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

(http://www.wf-f.org/Priests-prayer.html)

Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney Sunday (August 2)

A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies.

His failure to comprehend Latin lectures forced him to discontinue. But his vision of being a priest urged him to seek private tutoring. After a lengthy battle with the books, John was ordained.

Situations calling for “impossible” deeds followed him everywhere. As pastor of the parish at Ars, John encountered people who were indifferent and quite comfortable with their style of living. His vision led him through severe fasts and short nights of sleep. (Some devils can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.)

With Catherine Lassagne and Benedicta Lardet, he established La Providence, a home for girls. Only a man of vision could have such trust that God would provide for the spiritual and material needs of all those who came to make La Providence their home. His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment. In the winter months he was to spend 11 to 12 hours daily reconciling people with God. In the summer months this time was increased to 16 hours. Unless a man was dedicated to his vision of a priestly vocation, he could not have endured this giving of self day after day.

Many people look forward to retirement and taking it easy, doing the things they always wanted to do but never had the time. But John Vianney had no thoughts of retirement. As his fame spread, more hours were consumed in serving God’s people. Even the few hours he would allow himself for sleep were disturbed frequently by the devil.

Who, but a man with vision, could keep going with ever-increasing strength? In 1929, Pope Pius XI named him the patron of parish priests worldwide.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.asp?id=1097

Filipino Mission Sunday (July 26)

17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: THE GENEROSITY OF GOD

Jn 6:1-15

THE MULTIPLICATION OF LOAVES is one of the most loved stories in the Sacred Scriptures. We have the exchange of deeds of generosity. God is there as a great provider. Jesus performed the miracle which only shows the generosity of God.

The story is said to be a reflection of an event that happened in the Old Testament. In the second book of Kings, Elisha the prophet was speaking to the people, “For thus, says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and there shall be some left over.’” God performed a miracle by providing the people with food. In both events of the Multiplication of Loaves, we see two important persons who shared. First is the man from Baal-Shalishah and second, the boy in the Gospel. Two generous persons who did not hesitate to give what they have. It is an act of being self-less. Giving the most basic of needs to others speaks of generosity at its best. We remember the widow in the Gospel who gave her all.

Generosity is a virtue that comes from God himself. God gave this to humanity in order for them to reciprocate the gift to God and others. The act of generosity must now spring from the person; it should start from within oneself. In the many instances in life, miracles happen out of generosity. God works on this generosity. Generosity also comes from being grateful and joyful of the gift received. This would be passed forward, or one famous film would say it “pay it forward.”

This Sunday is the celebration of Filipino Mission Sunday. This day we remember the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP), a missionary society which was founded in 1965 by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP); its foundation was rooted on the values of generosity, gratitude, and joyfulness. We are reminded that our beloved Missionary Society started from humble beginnings. The generous heart of the bishops is instrumental. Their graciousness led to the establishment of the MSP as a continuous concrete act of generosity. The sharing and offering of lives of many of our Filipino Missionaries is a genuine sign that we are indeed thankful to God to the gift of faith received. We thank the Lord by giving back to him our apostolate in the missions. The willingness of missionaries to leave the familiar and comfort confines of one’s country so people of other places can know Jesus comes from the simple act of generosity of God by making our country rich in faith.

Our Church continues to invite us to share the gift of faith to others. I had a foretaste of what it means to bring ones faith to peoples of different cultures. Witnessing to the faith was my concrete experience when I had my Overseas Training Program in the Diocese of Auckland in New Zealand. My experience as a Filipino seminarian abroad taught me that our faith is very much relevant to a world that hungers for God. It is true that many do not believe in God in that part of the world. But I am very much surprised to realize that a much bigger number of people long for God. The unique faith of a Filipino Catholic is a big gift to the Church. Our deep sense of religiosity and piety is invaluable. It has the power to enliven the faith of a dying Church. It makes the faith of others alive.

I am also amazed that together with our faith are our values of respect, patience, resilience, understanding, humility, gentleness and love. These are the same values that St. Paul has taken into consideration in his letter to the Ephesians. Allow me to share an experience. One Sunday morning, inside the church foyer, I was surprised to see a non-Filipino youth from the parish taking the hand of a Kiwi for a blessing. It was a lovely sight. It’s very unusual to see a parishioner making Mano to someone who’s not even Pinoy. It is surprising yet it is very heart warming.

There are countless stories that our missionaries can share about their life of generosity in the missions. Many mission experiences can make us remember that all of these wonder or even unwanted circumstances came from God’s generosity. Our obedience and willingness to share the gift of faith truly rely on the graciousness of God. It is God who continues to inspire us to give ourselves to the mission. We have relied upon God’s generosity since the very day that we were born. We continue and will be wanting of God’s boundless generosity. Who can ever know what God will do next? Our faith and trust in God makes us strong and believe that he will provide us of our need in our respective missions.

We pray for the grace that the generosity we share to others be rewarded. By God, He himself will keep on bestowing upon us His countless blessings. Graces that we do not deserve yet it is there for us to enjoy, may God make us multiply in our good works. We love you Lord, help us become faithful to the mission you have entrusted to us, may our apostolate sow the gift of faith in others and may it bear fruit with many vocations to the missionary priesthood. You are a God of infinite generosity. Amen.

[Sem. MARC LOUIE CALO, MSP MSP Seminary, Tagaytay City} http://www.msp.org.ph/homilies.do?id=4447

The Good Shepherd Sunday (July 19)

A Reflection by Dennis Hankins

http://www.dennishankins.com/2009/05/i-am-good-shepherd-sunday-may-3-2009.html

"Jesus understood the crowds as harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (see Matthew 9:36)

Sheep by their very nature require leadership. Without a shepherd, sheep wander, become disgruntled and disagreeable with each other. Under the care of a shepherd, sheep are content and docile. Such is the meaning of the Twenty-third Psalm: "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."

What sheep need, and cannot survive without, is a shepherd. A good shepherd knows his sheep by name, and will lead them to good pasture and water. When he calls, the sheep recognize his voice, for in his voice is the assurance of the next meal and of safety in the time of trouble. Most importantly, a good shepherd will never forsake his sheep. If a wolf approaches, it is the shepherd who guides his flock to safety; guarding them with his own life. We have found that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and Guardian of our soul. (see 1 Peter 2:25) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me.

No less than five times in today's Gospel Jesus speaks of laying down his life. "A good shepherd," Jesus said, "lays down his life for the sheep. The other four statements of Jesus are, "I will lay down my life for the sheep;" "I lay down my life in order to take it up again;" "No one takes it from me, I lay it down on my own;" and lastly, "I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again."

To say Jesus is my shepherd is to say, he is my salvation. There is no salvation through anyone else. No one else has pursued Adam's race with such affection and abandonment. Is there salvation in any other name? Has anyone else offered himself for the salvation of the world? Other than Jesus, do you recall anyone in world history, who spoke to the weariness of humanity, and said, " I am the good shepherd?"

It is for his sheep Jesus laid down his own life. As the good shepherd, it is Jesus who came seeking us, in loving kindness calling our name, because he cares, because he wants us in his fold.

I have seen the loving kindness of this Shepherd: In the face of the priest in the giving of absolution; in the March for Life; in the care of a Mother for her child; in the joyful voice of a child; in the hopeful face of a cancer patient; in the wrinkled faces of the elderly. All around us is the presence of the Good Shepherd; for he is never far away.

As I've experienced more of life, grown a little older, and maybe wiser, I notice more the richness of creation. Because of this, I hope I am more inspiring to those nearest me. The song of the Cardinal and his visits to my backyard bird feeder capture my imagination. Tears come freely while listening to my daughter Bethany caress the strings of her violin with her soul. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

In Christ's name and example, the Church, the sheepfold of the sheep, is a place of welcome and refreshment. Jesus has other sheep who do not yet belong to this fold. No matter the age, the color, or the accent, the Church is a place of safety, of welcome and love.

The work of the Good Shepherd is not finished. So to those who are harassed and helpless and sometimes without hope, we must become the face and voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. If somehow on my face and in my voice someone can recognize Jesus' love, perhaps that person, will find his way back home, to the fold, the Church, where we all belong. And we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Let us pray: Dear Jesus, like a shepherd lead us. Lead us to be more kind, more tender hearted, more loving to those sheep who are scattered and gone astray. Amen."

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16)

Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah (northern Israel) in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726 it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception.

St. Teresa of Avila (October 15) called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” St. John of the Cross (December 14) credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel and helping him escape from prison. St. Theresa of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion, she dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary.

There is a tradition (which may not be historical) that Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way.

http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintOfDay/default.asp?id=1446

Negros Nine will Celebrate Silver Anniversary

On July 3, 2009 the Negros Nine will celebrate the 25th or Silver Anniversary of their release from the Negros Occ. Provincial Jail in Bacolod City.

To mark the occasion, the Kabankalan Diocesan Pastoral Office, the Negros Nine Human Development Foundation and the Columban Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creaton Ministry will sponsor a gathering/Reunion of KK members from all the parishes of the Diocese of Kabankalan on the 2nd of July.

Each parish is invited to send a delegation of up to 20 KK members, especially those who were active during the Martial Law years. The celebration will take place in Kabankalan on Thursday July 2, from 9am to 2pm.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Patrick Buzon DD SDB, Bishop of Kabankalan. Preacher will be Msgr. Wilfredo Dejilla of San Carlos Diocese, formerly of Kabankalan parish.

At the gathering, there will be special presentation on the “Martyrs of the Kristianong Katilingban.” It is hoped, that when we have a complete list of those members of the KKs who were tortured, murdered and/or disappeared, a book and/or video will be published to commemorate their sacrifice for the Church and for all of us.

“In the traditional spirit of the KKs, we will ask delegations to be self provisioned. The sponsors will cover all the other expenses. “This will be a occasion for celebrating, remembering and renewing our commitment to building up the strengthening of the KKs in the diocese and so proclaim the reign of God in our world.”

The legal team of the Negros Nine lead by Atty. Frank Cruz is being invited to attend as well as members of the media and friends and supporters from Bacolod. The Negros Nine is not about a number of people but about a vision for our church for the future.*

Contact numbers:
Fr Brian Gore 09202002729
Mr. Lydio (Boy) Mangao 09295728046
Mr. Jerome Seballos 09092293497

http://www.negrosnine.com/news-jun2709