Fr. Escriva de Romani and Sr. Briege McKenna during the National Retreat for Priests at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City on Nov. 9, 2023. CBCP NEWS By CBCP News November 13, 2023 Manila, Philippines An Irish nun who led a retreat for more than 2,000 Filipino priests has emphasized the need to ‘re-evangelize’ those who often take the sacraments for granted. Poor Clare Sr. Briege McKenna, whose healing ministry is totally centered on the Eucharist, said that “one of the great needs” of today is evangelization, especially to those who have fallen out of the practice of their faith. “The reason is because they don’t know. It’s like having a fridge of food and starving to death… you don’t know what you have,” McKenna said in a press briefing. “In many parts of the world, Catholics need re-evangelizing. They need to rediscover the treasures of the sacraments,” she said. For many decades now, the nun has ministered hope and healing to countless people all over the world for many decades. In her sixth visit to the Philippines, she was one of the speakers of the National Retreat for Priests held at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City from Nov. 7 to 9. More than 2,600 priests from across the country attended the spiritual event, the largest clergy gathering since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in early 2020. With the theme “Priesthood: A Call to Holiness,” the three-day retreat was organized by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Clergy and the Archdiocese of Cebu. Along with McKenna was her ministry partner, Fr. Escriva de Romani, who said that while the sacrament is love in itself, “how are you going to love what you don’t know?” He asked Catholics to discover the beauty of the sacraments and the strength it provides for the Christian life. “So you have two options: Get bored for the rest of your life, or start searching,” said De Romani, a missionary priest from the Archdiocese of Madrid. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – Wisdom 6:12-16 Wisdom is pure and never fades away, and is easily seen by those who love her and found by those who seek her. She anticipates those who desire her, so that she first reveals herself to them. Whoever awakens early to seek her, will not labor, for he will find her sitting at his door. Therefore, by thinking about her, understanding is perfected, and whoever remains watchful for her, will quickly be secure. For she goes about seeking such as are worthy of her, and she reveals herself to them cheerfully in the ways, and meets them with all foresight.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. O God, you are my God whom I seek;for you my flesh pines and my soul thirstslike the earth, parched, lifeless and without water. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuaryto see your power and your glory,For your kindness is a greater good than life;my lips shall glorify you. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Thus will I bless you while I live;lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. I will remember you upon my couch,and through the night-watches I will meditate on you:You are my help,and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.   2nd Reading – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep. Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself, with a word of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God, will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, console one another with these words.   Or 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and

CHARIS Philippines national coordinator Fe Barino speaks during the National Retreat for Priests (NRP) at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City on Nov. 9, 2023. Barino was also the chairperson of the NRP working committee. ROY LAGARDE By Roy Lagarde November 11, 2023 Manila, Philippines The Catholic Charismatic Renewal International Service or CHARIS has elected its new set of council members including Fe Barino of the Archdiocese of Cebu. Together with Cyril John of India, Barino will serve as representative for Asia to the 18-member council, also known as CHARIS International Service of Communion. Barino is the current national coordinator of CHARIS Philippines and president of the Cebu archdiocese’s Commission on the Laity. The election of the new international council came during the first general assembly of CHARIS held in Rome on Oct. 29 to 31. Representatives from 70 countries attended the assembly to elect new officers who will serve for a three-year term, with Pino Scafuro from Argentina chosen as their new head, or “Moderator”. The Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life officially inaugurated CHARIS in 2019 to provide a “new, single, international service for the needs of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Church.” CHARIS assumed the roles previously held by the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service and the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships. While the body lacks legal authority over charismatic communities, its purpose is communion, formation, and advice. Since its inception, CHARIS has been under the guidance of Capuchin Cardinal Raniero Cantalamesa, the preacher of the papal household, serving as its ecclesiastical adviser. In a meeting with around 4,000 members of CHARIS in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on Nov, 4, Pope Francis encouraged them to proclaim Christ to all, even in the most remote places and among the poor. In his address, the pope said that their particular mission “is promoting charisms and encouraging them to be put at the service of the whole Church”. He also reiterated that their task “is not to judge who is or is not an authentic charismatic” and to always be “on guard against the temptation to exercise power and influence”. DONATE TO CBCP NEWS CBCPNews is a church-based news agency operated by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.  This apostolate aims at helping the work of the new evangelization through the news media.  This is non-commercial and non-profit.  That being the case, it totally depends on generosity of its readers and supporters. Should you wish to donate kindly press the donate button.  Thank you.  

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop 1st Reading – Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27 Brothers and sisters:Greet Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus, who have risked their own necks on behalf of my life, for whom I give thanks, not I alone, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; and greet the church at their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is among the first-fruits of Asia in Christ. Greet Mary, who has labored much among you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow captives, who are noble among the Apostles, and who were in Christ prior to me. Greet Ampliatus, most beloved to me in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our helper in Christ Jesus, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, my host, and the entire church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. But to him who is able to confirm you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, in accord with the revelation of the mystery which has been hidden from time immemorial, (which now has been made clear through the Scriptures of the Prophets, in accord with the precept of the eternal God, unto the obedience of faith) which has been made known among all the Gentiles: to God, who alone is wise, through Jesus Christ, to him be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11 R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord. Every day will I bless you,and I will praise your name forever and ever.Great is the LORD and highly to be praised;his greatness is unsearchable. R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord. Generation after generation praises your worksand proclaims your might.They speak of the splendor of your glorious majestyand tell of your wondrous works. R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord. Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,and let your faithful ones bless you.Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdomand speak of your might. R. I will praise your name for ever, Lord.   Alleluia – 2 Corinthians 8:9 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,so that by his poverty you might become rich.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Luke 16:9-15 Jesus said to his disciples:“I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He

Bishop Louie Galbines of Kabankalan presides over final Mass of the National Retreat for Priests at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City on Nov. 9, 2023. ROY LAGARDE By Roy Lagarde November 10, 2023 Cebu City A Catholic bishop has emphasized the need for priests to support each other in their life mission to bring Christ to the world. At the final Mass of the National Retreat for Priests at the IEC Convention Center in Cebu City on Thursday, Bishop Louie Galbines of Kabankalan stressed the value of priestly fraternity in ministry, and in life. The presbyterium, he said in his homily, is supposed to be a place where bishops and priests celebrate a communion of holiness, where each one is deeply respected, heard, and cared for. Oftentimes, according to him, most people think that “the least, the last, and the lost are outside our circles”. “But the reality is, and this is more painful, that we are the ones, through our words and actions, who cause our brothers, our brother priests to become the least, the last, and the lost,” Galbines said. He went on to recall a story of a priest who once decided “with a heavy heart” to leave the priesthood but “his bishop suddenly stood up and embraced him and said, ‘I cannot afford to lose you, Father.’” “We all cried because we felt what he felt at that moment,” Galbines said. The next day, Galbines said he approached the priest to discuss his feelings regarding the actions and words of the bishop. “And this is his reply: ‘I felt that my bishop has allowed me to stand on the palms of his hands and the heavens opened and he pushed me up,’” he said. “A healing, a miracle, a communion of holiness, that priest remained in the ministry happily ever after,” the bishop added. More than 2,600 priests from across the country joined the three-day retreat organized by the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Clergy and the Archdiocese of Cebu. With the theme “Priesthood: A call for holiness,” the spiritual event featured Irish Sr. Briege McKenna, known for ministering hope and healing worldwide over many decades, and Fr. Pablo Escriva de Romani, a missionary priest from Madrid. Bishop Oscar Jaime Florencio of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines said the retreat was a great experience for renewal of priests. “If we expect spiritual renewal from the people, it should start from us priests,” Florencio said. The Mass started on Nov. 7 with a Mass presided over by Papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, where he underscored that “the key is prayer in order not to lose our zeal”. “In our lives as priests, whenever we have that moment in which we have to choose between the Lord’s interests and our self-interests, let us choose the Lord’s,” Brown said. “Let us serve the Lord. That is what a true minister, a true servant of Christ will always do. Not serving ourselves but serving the Lord,” he said.

Estela Padilla was one of 70 non-bishop members appointed by Pope Francis himself to join the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican last Oct. 4 to 29, 2023. ROY LAGARDE By CBCP News November 10, 2023 ROME— Filipina theologian Estela Padilla made history by being one of 54 women given voting rights for the first time in the Synod of Bishops. The pastoral worker and advocate of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) told CBCP News the recently concluded 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican was able to build consensus around “synodality” or making the Church more welcoming and discerning, and a greater role for laypeople, especially women. In this exclusive interview, Padilla talks about the synod’s synthesis report, her experiences during the Vatican assembly, controversial issues such as opening the diaconate to women and greater outreach to the LGBTQ community, and why the work of the synod is not yet over. CBCP News: What do you think about the synthesis report? Did it reflect what happened in the synod? Dr. Estela Padilla: In terms of practical things, it provided a lot of pathways so we can start doing something. Its style is convergences, what we actually agreed upon. Then, matters for consideration and proposals, which will be sent to the local churches, so they are again part of the consultations. So, we hope to come back here next year, reflecting the lived experiences, the opinions, the discernment of the local churches back in the Philippines. For me, the synthesis is not, definitely not final, definitely up for consultation and even deeper listening from the local churches, so hindi pa siya tapos … marami pang mangyayari. Ako naman as a pastoral worker, excited ako sa buhay ng Simbahan, hindi sa dokumento. So, this one reflects on what we talked about. It has provided pathways to continue the consultation but also pathways for actions. Sa ‘kin ang simbahan ay ‘yung kung ano ang nangyayari sa buhay ng mga tao, lalung-lalo na sa level ng grassroots, kasI BEC ang background ko, Basic Ecclesial Communities. Actually, a lot of these things makikita mo buhay na sa BEC, pero syempre marami pa ring kulang. In the synthesis… the Church of the Poor is very clear, the importance of women, role of women in decision-making, nandu’n din ang social issues lalung-lalo na this synod happened in the middle of war. As a pastoral worker, as a witness to the whole synodal process sa baba, hanggang Asian, hanggang continental, hanggang dito (Vatican), ang tinignan ko talaga ay ‘yung decision-making processes, kasi ‘yun ang interest ko. Para sa akin from the start, the synod is a decision-making process, so iyon ang tinignan ko talaga, ‘yung iba’t-ibang ways that decision-making can become even more participatory, even more consultative, even more listening to the voices that are silent. CBCP News: The Synod on Synodality wants the Church to become more welcoming to people. How important is this issue at

The awardees, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, pose for a group photo with Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Myla Grace Macahilig, at the hall of the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, Nov. 3, 2023. ROY LAGARDE By Felipe F. Salvosa II November 10, 2023 ROME– The Philippine embassy to the Holy See honored 83 Filipinos occupying top posts in the Vatican and institutes of consecrated life based in Rome, a roster led by no less than the country’s top churchman, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Ambassador Myla Grace Ragenia Macahilig led the awarding rites on Nov. 3 at the hall of the Pontifical Patristic Institute Augustinianum just outside St. Peter’s Square, with Tagle delivering an inspirational message. The Filipiniana-themed event gathered a who’s who of Filipino clerics and religious men and women just days after the conclusion of the 2023 Synod of Bishops. Given official Philippine government recognition were five heads of congregations: Fr. Teodoro Kalaw, superior general of the Adorno Fathers or the Order of Clerics Regular Minor; Sr. Marife Mendoza, superior general of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart; Br. Armin Luistro, superior general of the Brothers of Christian Schools or the La Salle Brothers; Fr. Jesus Dajac, superior general of the Clerical Congregation of the Missionaries of Faith; and Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III, master of the Order of Preachers or the Dominican Order. The embassy cited Filipino curial officials, led by Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Also cited from the same dicastery were Monsignors Ericson Tiu and Erwin Jose Balagapo. From the Secretariat of State, Msgr. Jan Limchua; from the Dicastery for Consecrated Life, Fr. Stefano Canuto; and from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, Sr. Arlyn Gotoman. Macahilig said 49 of the awardees were able to receive their plaques of appreciation in person. Embassy officials gave plaques to a total of 14 Filipino vicars of the different congregations based in Rome, along with 42 members of general councils, seven general secretaries or general assistants, and seven general treasurers or oeconomi. The embassy also awarded Filipino officials of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, the college for Filipino priests studying in Rome, namely Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston, the rector, and Fr. Andrew Recepcion, spiritual director. “Numbers-wise, it is a very strong voice of the Filipino Catholic community here in Rome,” Macahilig told the gathering. “As you take on your tasks in your communities, you also carry with you the flag of the Philippines,” Macahilig said. Sister Arlyn Gotoman and Fr. Dennis Duene Ruiz, definitor general of the Order of Discalced Augustinians, delivered responses on behalf of the Filipino religious community in Rome. “I am proud of and take pride in being a Filipina. Our creativity exceeds in all aspects. Our capabilities to bring positivity, optimism, joy and cheerfulness to the face of our colleagues are priceless,” said Gotoman, a former school principal who had worked under Luistro when he was secretary of education. Citing the theme of the recent celebration of

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church 1st Reading – Romans 15:14-21 I am also certain about you, my brothers, that you also have been filled with love, completed with all knowledge, so that you are able to admonish one another. But I have written to you, brothers, more boldly than to the others, as if calling you to mind again, because of the grace which has been given to me from God, so that I may be a minister of Christ Jesus among the Gentiles, sanctifying the Gospel of God, in order that the oblation of the Gentiles may be made acceptable and may be sanctified in the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I have glory in Christ Jesus before God. So I dare not speak of any of those things which Christ does not effect through me, unto the obedience of the Gentiles, in word and deed, with the power of signs and wonders, by power of the Holy Spirit. For in this way, from Jerusalem, throughout its surroundings, as far as Illyricum, I have replenished the Gospel of Christ. And so I have preached this Gospel, not where Christ was known by name, lest I build upon the foundation of another, but just as it was written: “Those to whom he was not announced shall perceive, and those who have not heard shall understand.”   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4 R.  The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;break into song; sing praise. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.   Alleluia – 1 John 2:5 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever keeps the word of Christ,the love of God is truly perfected in him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Luke 16:1-8 Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’  The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome 1st Reading – Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12 The angel brought me back to the gate of the house. And behold, waters went out, from under the threshold of the house, toward the east. For the face of the house looked toward the east. But the waters descended on the right side of the temple, toward the south of the altar. And he led me out, along the way of the north gate, and he turned me back toward the way outside the exterior gate, the way which looked toward the east. And behold, the waters overflowed on the right side. And he said to me: “These waters, which go forth toward the hillocks of sand to the east, and which descend to the plains of the desert, will enter the sea, and will go out, and the waters will be healed. And every living soul that moves, wherever the torrent arrives, will live. And there will be more than enough fish, after these waters have arrived there, and they will be healed. And all things will live, where the torrent arrives. And above the torrent, on its banks on both sides, every kind of fruit tree will rise up. Their foliage will not fall away, and their fruit will not fail. Every single month they will bring forth first-fruits. For its waters will go forth from the sanctuary. And its fruits will be for food, and its leaves will be for medicine.”   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 R.  The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! God is our refuge and our strength,an ever-present help in distress.Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shakenand mountains plunge into the depths of the sea. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,the holy dwelling of the Most High.God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;God will help it at the break of dawn. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High! The LORD of hosts is with us;our stronghold is the God of Jacob.Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,the astounding things he has wrought on earth. R. The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!   2nd Reading – 1 Corinthians 3:9C-11, 16-17 Brothers and sisters: You are God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ. Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit

Wednesday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time 1st Reading – Romans 13:8-10 Brothers and sisters: You should owe nothing to anyone, except so as to love one another. For whoever loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. ]For example: You shall not commit adultery. You shall not kill. You shall not steal. You shall not speak false testimony. You shall not covet. And if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The love of neighbor does no harm. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 112:1B-2, 4-5, 9 R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.or:R. Alleluia. Blessed the man who fears the LORD,who greatly delights in his commands.His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;the upright generation shall be blessed. R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.or:R. Alleluia. He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright;he is gracious and merciful and just.Well for the man who is gracious and lends,who conducts his affairs with justice. R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.or:R. Alleluia. Lavishly he gives to the poor;his generosity shall endure forever;his horn shall be exalted in glory. R. Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – 1 Peter 4:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of God rests upon you.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Luke 14:25-33 Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them,  “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” Today's Readings Homilies Love Offering: