Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over the opening Mass of the 12th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus at a hotel in Manila on May 5, 2023. CBCP NEWS By CBCP News May 5, 2023 Manila, Philippines Papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown on Friday called on the country’s largest organization of Catholic men to be “soldiers of truth” in what he called a world “where truth is often disregarded”. Speaking at the 12th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Manila, he lamented that many people “have become used to a culture in which truth is no longer a value”. “We should always try to speak the truth because the opposite of truth is lie,” Brown said in his homily for the event’s opening Mass. As Christians, he said that the 400,000-strong fraternal organization must continue to be “crusaders” for what is right and just. “This is the way in which we can change the culture around us— by being men of truth… and shunning the father of lies who is so prevalent in today’s world,” he said. More than a thousand K of C members from across the country gathered at a hotel in Manila for the annual convention, a first since the Covid-19 hit the country in March 2020. With a worldwide membership of 1.6 million, it is also the largest organization of Catholic men in the world. The Knights of Columbus is known for its charitable work, including supporting disaster relief efforts and funding scholarships for Catholic students. The organization also sponsors programs and initiatives to promote the culture of life and defend the dignity of every human person, from conception to natural death. “I beseech you to continue to be witnesses of the sacredness of human life… by doing everything we can to promote and to protect all forms of human life,” Brown added. 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.  

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter 1st Reading – ACTS 13:26-33 When Paul came to Antioch in Pisidia, he said in the synagogue: Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fear God, to you the word of this salvation is sent. For they that inhabited Jerusalem, and the rulers thereof, not knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets, which are read every sabbath, judging him have fulfilled them. And finding no cause of death in him, they desired of Pilate, that they might kill him. And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, taking him down from the tree, they laid him in a tomb. But God raised him up from the dead the third day: Who was seen for many days, by them who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who to this present are his witnesses to the people. And we declare unto you, that the promise which was made to our fathers, This same God has fulfilled to our children, raising up Jesus, as in the second psalm also is written: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11AB R.  You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.or:R. Alleluia. “I myself have set up my kingon Zion, my holy mountain.”I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;this day I have begotten you.” R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.or:R. Alleluia. “Ask of me and I will give youthe nations for an inheritanceand the ends of the earth for your possession.You shall rule them with an iron rod;you shall shatter them like an earthen dish.” R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.or:R. Alleluia. And now, O kings, give heed;take warning, you rulers of the earth.Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;with trembling rejoice. R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – John 14:6 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;No one comes to the Father except through me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 14:1-6 Jesus said to his disciples: Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go, and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will take you to myself; that where I am, you also may be. And where I go you know, and the way you know. Thomas said to him: Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. Today's

By Francesca Pollio Fenton Catholic News Agency May 4, 2023 VATICAN— Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of May is for ecclesial movements and groups. “Ecclesial movements are a gift; they are a treasure in the Church,” the Holy Father said in a video released by the Vatican on May 2. “These movements renew the Church with their capacity for dialogue at the service of her evangelizing mission,” he said. “Each day, they rediscover in their charism new ways of showing the attractiveness and the newness of the Gospel.” “How do they do this? Speaking different languages, they seem different, but it is their creativity that creates these differences. But always understanding themselves and making themselves understood.” He added: “Always be on the move, responding to the impulse of the Holy Spirit to the challenges, to the changes in today’s world.” Pope Francis encouraged members of ecclesial groups to “remain in harmony with the Church, since harmony is a gift of the Holy Spirit.” The pope concluded his message with a prayer: “Let us pray that ecclesial movements and groups may daily rediscover their mission, an evangelizing mission, and that they place their own charisms at the service of the world’s needs.” Pope Francis’ prayer video is promoted by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which raises awareness of monthly papal prayer intentions. 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.  

The Missionary Catechist of the Sacred Heart (MCSH) marked its 100th founding anniversary at the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, a town in Batangas province, on March 1, 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF MCSH By CBCP News May 4, 2023 Manila, Philippines The most important work that the Catholic Church does is its ‘missionary outreach’, an effort that should and must be prioritized, papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown said. Speaking during Mass for the 100th anniversary of the Missionary Catechist of the Sacred Heart (MCSH) on Monday, he emphasized that “what the Church needs is direct and immediate contact with people”. “The missionary outreach is the most important thing to prioritize… direct contact as much as you can,” Brown said at the National Shrine of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, a town in Batangas province. That’s why, he said, the Church celebrates the service of MCSH for bringing Jesus’ teachings to the people, especially to those who need it most. The archbishop went on to advise the congregation “not to get involved too much in office work”. While administrative work is necessary, he stressed that direct contact remains the most important part of the mission because “that’s where conversions happen”. “And that’s where miracles happen, that’s where the Church grows,” Brown said. The papal nuncio added that MCSH also represents the “fruitfulness” of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. “You’re one of the communities that have grown up here in this country,” he said. “You are truly, as Filipinos, gifted to give. You have this wonderful fruitfulness of this Church that needs to be given… not kept at home,” he also said. Also present during the celebration were Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, the archbishop emeritus of Manila, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, and Bishop Reynaldo Evangelista of Imus. Founded in 1923 by then bishop of Lipa, Alfredo Verzosa, the MCSH is the first religious congregation to be established by a native Filipino bishop. Originally named as the “Religiosas de María de la Enseñanza Cristiana” (Religious of Mary of the Christian Instruction), the congregation received its current name in 1947. Versoza, whose cause for beatification is in process, had as co-foundress the catechist, Doña Laura Mendoza, who also served as the congregation’s first superior general. Also involved in the foundational years of MCSH as spiritual director was then Fr. Alfredo Obviar, who later became auxiliary bishop to Versoza. Obviar, who was declared Venerable in 2018, later founded his own congregation with the same charism as the MCSH. Mother Julie Micosa, MCSH Superior General, assured that the congregation’s commitment to the Church remains “alive and flourishing”. “We commit ourselves in witnessing the compassionate love of Christ through the ministry of catechesis for the kingdom of God,” Micosa said. “So wherever we are, whatever we do, we are catechists.” 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

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 13:13-25 Now when Paul and they that were with him had sailed from Paphos, they came to Perge in Pamphylia. And John departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. But they passing through Perge, came to Antioch in Pisidia: and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath day, they sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Ye men, brethren, if you have any word of exhortation to make to the people, speak. Then Paul rising up, and with his hand bespeaking silence, said: Ye men of Israel, and you that fear God, give ear. The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they were sojourners in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought them out from there, And for the space of forty years endured their manners in the desert. And destroying seven nations in the land of Chanaan, divided their land among them, by lot, As it were, after four hundred and fifty years: and after these things, he gave unto them judges, until Samuel the prophet. And after that they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills. Of this man’s seed God according to his promise, has raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus: John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance to all the people of Israel. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I am not he, whom you think me to be: but behold, there comes one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 89:2-3, 21-22, 25 AND 27 R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. “I have found David, my servant;with my holy oil I have anointed him,That my hand may be always with him,and that my arm may make him strong.” R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,and through my name shall his horn be exalted.He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,my God, the Rock, my savior.’” R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – SEE Revelation 1:5AB R. Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus Christ, you are the faithful witness,the

Archbishop Victor Bendico is seated in the cathedra, or bishop’s chair, during his installation Mass at the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral in Roxas City on May 3, 2023. SCREEN GRAB FROM CAPIZ ARCHDIOCESE’S FACEBOOK PAGE By Roy Lagarde May 3, 2023 Manila, Philippines Archbishop Victor Bendico on Wednesday celebrated his first Mass as the new shepherd of Capiz at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, where his predecessor, Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila, told him, “Welcome back, welcome home!” It was indeed a homecoming for Bendico, who was installed as the fourth archbishop of Capiz and leader of an archdiocese of around 820,000 Catholics in at least 67 parishes and mission stations. At the start of the Mass, a priest read Pope Francis’ mandate appointing Bendico as archbishop of his native archdiocese. Afterwards, papal nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown presented Bendico with crosier and escorted him to his cathedra — the symbols of his authority. The faithful who packed the cathedral applauded as he officially assumed his post. In his homily, Bendico expressed his eagerness to work and journey with the people “and all of you who make our local Church alive and growing.” “We will walk together in the local Church of Capiz with our parishes, mission stations, Basic Ecclessial Communities, the religious, church organizations and ministries,” Bendico said. “With our trust in God and our humble efforts, we will strive that no one will be left behind, no one will feel alone, and no one will be forgotten in our communities,” he assured. Prior to his new assignment, the 63-year-old served for six years in the Diocese of Baguio, which is now “sede vacante” until a new bishop is appointed and installed. Bendico’s canonical installation came two months after Pope Francis appointed him to Capiz, which has been without an archbishop for nearly two years. During that period, the archdiocese was overseen by Monsignor Cyril Villareal as administrator. In his message, Advincula described Bendico’s appointment as “God’s gift” to the archdiocese. “God gave us not only an archbishop but someone who is our own, someone who knows us, and someone we know,” the cardinal said. “Trust that God has reasons why he called you here. And trust that God will also give you all the graces you need as you faithfully do his will,” he said. Also present during the Mass were more than 20 bishops from different dioceses including Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, the archbishop emeritus of Cotabato.Related articles: Bishop Bendico bids Baguio farewellNew Capiz archbishop to be installed May 3Pope Francis names new Capiz archbishop 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.  

Feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1st Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Now I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand; By which also you are saved, if you hold fast after what manner I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures: And that he was seen by Cephas; and after that by the eleven. Then he was seen by more than five hundred brethren at once: of whom many remain until this present, and some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen by James, then by all the apostles. And last of all, he was seen also by me, as by one born out of due time.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5 R. (5) Their message goes out through all the earth.or:R. Alleluia. The heavens declare the glory of God;and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day pours out the word to day;and night to night imparts knowledge. R. Their message goes out through all the earth.or:R. Alleluia. Not a word nor a discoursewhose voice is not heard;Through all the earth their voice resounds,and to the ends of the world, their message. R. Their message goes out through all the earth.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – John 14:6B, 9C R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord;Philip, whoever has seen me has seen the Father.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 14:6-14 Jesus said to Thomas: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him, and you have seen him. Philip said to him: Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us. Jesus saith to him: Have I been so long a time with you; and have you not known me? Philip, he that sees me sees the Father also. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe, that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abides in me, he does the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very works’ sake. Amen, amen I say to you, he that believes in me, the works that I do, he also shall do; and greater than these shall he do. Because I go to the Father: and whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my name, that will I do: that the Father may be glorified in the

Fr. Renee Dean, the newly elected and first minister provincial of the Province of San Antonio de Padua-Philippines. By CBCP News May 2, 2023 Manila, Philippines The newly erected Franciscan Province of San Antonio de Padua – Philippines has elected Fr. Renee Dean as its first minister provincial. His election came during the Province’s first General Chapter held in Cebu City on April 22. Born in Calbayog City in 1972, Dean studied Philosophy at the Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Novaliches Quezon City and Theology at the Inter-Congregational Theological Center in Cubao, Quezon City. He made his first profession vows as a Franciscan in 1995, solemn vows in 1998, and was ordained a priest on October 28, 2000. The 51-year-old priest also holds a licentiate degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, USA. As priest, he was assigned in various ministries in the Visayas and Mindanao including education and interreligious dialogue. Prior to his election as minister provincial, he served as Custos for four years before the Autonomous Custody of St. Anthony of Padua was elevated to a Province. It was on Jan. 19, 2023 when the General Definitory of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM), acceded to the request of the Custody for its elevation to the status of a Province. While the decree of canonical erection was on March 17, it only took effect on April 22 during a ceremony attended by OFM minister general Fr. Massimo Fusarelli himself. Aside from Dean, also elected as vicar-provincial was Fr. Neil Badillo. Also elected as “definitors” or counselors to the minister provincial were Fr. Prisco Cajes, Fr. Arturo Daquilanea, Fr. Crisologo Dragon, and Br. Christopher Villianueva. The Province of San Antonio de Padua currently has around 70 friars in 19 friaries across Visayas and Mindanao regions. The friars are engaged in pastoral service in at least seven parishes, in education with five schools and a center for dialogue with Islam. 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 Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 1st Reading – ACTS 11:19-26 Now they who had been dispersed by the persecution that arose on occasion of Stephen, went about as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none, but to the Jews only. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they went to Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believing, were converted to the Lord. And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. Who, when he came and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord. And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch. And they conversed there in the church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 87:1B-3, 4-5, 6-7 R. (117:1a) All you nations, praise the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. His foundation upon the holy mountainsthe LORD loves:The gates of Zion,more than any dwelling of Jacob.Glorious things are said of you,O city of God! R. All you nations, praise the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. I tell of Egypt and Babylonamong those who know the LORD;Of Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia:“This man was born there.”And of Zion they shall say:“One and all were born in her;And he who has established heris the Most High LORD.” R. All you nations, praise the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. They shall note, when the peoples are enrolled:“This man was born there.”And all shall sing, in their festive dance:“My home is within you.” R. All you nations, praise the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleliua – John 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 10:22-30 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. The Jews, therefore, came round about him, and said to him: How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them: I speak to you, and you believe not: the works that I do in the name of my Father, they give testimony of me. But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them life everlasting; and they shall not perish forever, and no man shall pluck them out of my hand. That which my Father has given me, is

Homily by Fr. Roy CimagalaMay 1, 2023 On the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker which is celebrated on May 1, we are reminded of this often-ignored dignity of our work, all kinds of work, big or small, as long as it is not sinful work. It is a matter that needs a lot of airing out and clarification, especially these days when a lot of confusion and error hound this very important aspect of our life. Work is a gift of God for us. It is part of our human nature. It’s not a punishment due to our human limitations, let alone, our sins. As we learn from the Book of Job, “A man is born to labour, and a bird to flight.” (5,7) In fact, a man who refuses to work for no good reason would undermine his humanity. Work is what we need for our human development, both personal and social. But more than that, given our dignity as image and likeness of God, children of his, sharers of his divine life and nature, our work is actually a participation in the ongoing providence and governance of God over all his creation. In effect, our work, no matter how ordinary and small it is, is where we have our usual encounter with God. It’s where the drama of whether we are with God or not, whether we give glory to him or not, whether we truly love him or we simply are loving and indulging on ourselves, takes place. Our work is meant to foster our dignity as persons and children of God. It’s never an enslaving element in our life. It is what would truly humanize and Christianize us. Wherever we are, we should see to it that everyone has the proper understanding of work and always has work to do. Whether one is at home doing the usual household chores or immersed in the different levels of the world of business or the farms, schools, etc., he should know the true nature and purpose of work and act accordingly. That way, whatever one’s work is, he is certain that he is affirming and developing his human and Christian dignity while working. A certain sense of joy and fulfillment would fill his heart. For those who have people working for them, they have to make sure that their workers are happy with their work. Business leaders, for example, should give due attention to their workers and make due investments for the proper human and Christian development of their workers. In this, they should not be passive, but should take the initiative to know their workers’ condition and see how they can be developed. It is usually in the world of business that a lot of violations and abuses are committed in the area of work. Businessmen should not worry only about profits and market shares. They should actively look into the over-all welfare of their workers who, with their inferior position in the organization, are usually