Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo joins march to call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to declare a state of climate emergency, April 20, 2023. RONA ERNAS By CBCP News April 20, 2023 Manila, Philippines Several Catholic organizations submitted a petition urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to recognize the country’s urgent situation and declare a climate emergency. Various climate activists marched in Manila on Thursday to hand over to Malacañang their petition to place the nation under such a state of emergency. The march, however, failed to reach Mendiola after they were blocked by riot police at corner of Legarda and Figueras streets. Some of their leaders were instead allowed to enter the Palace compound to formally submit their petition to the government. Fr. Tony Labiao, Caritas Philippines executive secretary, said they want “a swift transition to a low-carbon economy, the protection of natural habitats and ecosystems, and the adoption of just, pro-people, and sustainable economic development practices across all sectors”. “We invite everyone to join us calling-out our leaders and to raise our voices for the dignity of our common home and for our future generations,” Labiao said. According to them, the declaration of a climate emergency would signal that the government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is willing to take bold action to mitigate its effects. Among those who attended the rally were Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, a number of religious missionaries, and representatives of various civil society organizations. Saying that climate change is becoming an existential issue globally, Columban lay missionary John Din stressed that all citizens should take action. “Immediate actions to address the climate emergency should be our utmost concern,” said Din, who is also the national coordinator of Laudato Si Movement – Philippines. Over 160 institutions – dioceses, schools, parishes, non-government organizations, and people’s organizations have already declared a climate emergency. They have committed to take concrete steps to address it and challenge the government to do the same at this most critical time. They also called on Marcos to urgently implement policies and programs that will address the root causes of climate change. “We are declaring that we are now in a state of climate emergency and we commit to do sustained and bold actions to help slow down environmental deterioration, with sustained regenerative actions to restore ecological balance,” said Yolanda Esguerra, national coordinator of Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. “Likewise, we shall challenge the government to declare a climate emergency and take the lead in fulfilling its mandate to protect the well-being of both nature and people, ensuring that a clear and comprehensive plan containing strategic and urgent actions are put in place to address climate change impacts,” she added. The declaration of climate emergency is a campaign initiated by the “Rights of Nature PH” with other civil society groups to mobilize Filipinos to an “all of nation approach” in addressing the climate crisis. (With reports from Arvie Poblete and Rona Ernas) DONATE TO CBCP NEWS

Thursday of the Second Week of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 5:27-33 And when the court officers had brought the Apostles, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, Saying: Commanding we commanded you, that you should not teach in this name; and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you have a mind to bring the blood of this man upon us. But Peter and the apostles answering, said: We ought to obey God, rather than men. The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you put to death, hanging him upon a tree. Him has God exalted with his right hand, to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. And we are witnesses of these things and the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to all that obey him. When they had heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they thought to put them to death.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20 R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.or:R. Alleluia. I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.Taste and see how good the LORD is;blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.or:R. Alleluia. The LORD confronts the evildoers,to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,and from all their distress he rescues them. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.or:R. Alleluia. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.Many are the troubles of the just man,but out of them all the LORD delivers him. R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – John 20:29 R. Alleluia, alleluia.You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 3:31-36 He that comes from above, is above all. He that is of the earth, of the earth he is, and of the earth he speaks. He that comes from heaven, is above all. And what he has seen and heard, that he testifies: and no man receives his testimony. He that has received his testimony, has set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God has sent, speaks the words of God: for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son: and he has given all things into his hand. He that believes in the Son, has life everlasting; but he that believes not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him. Today's Readings Homilies Love Offering:

Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa and Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay. By CBCP News April 18, 2023 Manila, Philippines Catholic bishops in Palawan province have elevated their appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to end mining operations in the biodiversity-rich island. Bishops Socrates Mesiona of Puerto Princesa and Broderick Pabillo of Taytay urged Marcos to “permanently stop” the operations of Ipilan Mining Corp. (INC) and other mining activities in watersheds and protected areas. The bishops’ appeal was contained in a joint pastoral statement released following what they described as “violent dispersal and unlawful arrests” of anti-mining protesters in Brooke’s Point town. The incident, they said, was perpetrated by dozens of INC security guards, “backed up by a contingent of 30 police force who silently watched and abetted them”. Several farmers, fisherfolk, and indigenous peoples have been manning a barricade since February 18 to prevent mining trucks containing nickel ore from entering a private port. “They have endured hunger, heat, rain and grave threats to their life and safety to make a collective stand up in preserving and protecting our beautiful Palawan,” the bishops said. The mayor’s permit of INC had expired on Feb. 1, 2023 and Brooke’s Point local government had issued a cease and desist order against its operations. “Rather than fully complying with the rule of law, Ipilan Nickel Corporation acted in blatant defiance of the law by continuously operating its mine,” the prelates said. “Worse, the company took the law into its own hands by deploying its large private security force in violently dispersing the peaceful rallyists,” they added. The church leaders urged the provincial prosecutors to dismiss all the “trumped-up charges” against the rallyists and hold accountable the people behind the harsh dispersal and illegal arrests. 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.  

Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI). DIOCESE OF BALANGA By CBCP News April 18, 2023 Manila, Philippines As violence in Sudan continues, the migration body of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has asked for prayers for the Filipinos based in the African country. Bishop Ruperto Santos of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) said they are concerned over the safety of about 258 Filipinos in Sudan. “They are in a very difficult and dangerous situation,” said Santos, who is also the bishop of the Diocese of Balanga. “We are with you. We support our government to keep you all well-protected and bring you safely back home,” he said. The ECMI vice chairman called on migrants’ chaplains to offer Masses for the safety of Filipinos in Sudan and for peace in the troubled nation. “We are praying and offering holy Masses for their safety and security,” he said. The prelate, on the other hand, advised Filipinos in Sudan to do their part in keeping themselves safe. “We advise them to remain calm, courageous, and prayerful. Stay in their place, don’t venture outside, and always heed the advice of our government officials,” he added. More than 1,800 people have been injured since the fighting between armed factions erupted on Saturday, U.N. envoy for Sudan Volker Perthes said. He also put the death toll at 185 on Monday as fighting for control of the country between the army and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) showed no sign of stopping. The violence is between army units loyal to the de facto leader, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF led by Sudan’s deputy leader, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. 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.  

Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 4:32-37 The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was accorded them all. There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale,  and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. Thus Joseph, also named by the Apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth,  sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the Apostles.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 93:1AB, 1CD-2, 5 R. (1a) The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.or:R. Alleluia. The LORD is king, in splendor robed;robed is the LORD and girt about with strength. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.or:R. Alleluia. And he has made the world firm,not to be moved.Your throne stands firm from of old;from everlasting you are, O LORD. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.or:R. Alleluia. Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:holiness befits your house,O LORD, for length of days. R. The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – John 3:14-15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in himmay have eternal life.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 3:7B-15 Jesus said to Nicodemus: “‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, ‘How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” Today's Readings Homilies Love Offering: Love Offering:

Monday of the Second Week of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 4:23-31 After their release Peter and John went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, you said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant: Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples entertain folly? The kings of the earth took their stand and the princes gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do what your hand and your will had long ago planned to take place. And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 2:1-3, 4-7A, 7B-9 R. (see 11d) Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. Why do the nations rageand the peoples utter folly?The kings of the earth rise up,and the princes conspire togetheragainst the LORD and against his anointed:“Let us break their fettersand cast their bonds from us!” R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. He who is throned in heaven laughs;the LORD derides them.Then in anger he speaks to them;he terrifies them in his wrath:“I myself have set up my kingon Zion, my holy mountain.”I will proclaim the decree of the LORD. R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.or:R. Alleluia. The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;this day I have begotten you.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. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – Colossians 3:1 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 3:1-8 There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see

Divine Mercy Sunday, Second Sunday of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 2:42-47 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24 R. (1) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia. Let the house of Israel say,“His mercy endures forever.”Let the house of Aaron say,“His mercy endures forever.”Let those who fear the LORD say,“His mercy endures forever.” R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia. I was hard pressed and was falling,but the LORD helped me.My strength and my courage is the LORD,and he has been my savior.The joyful shout of victoryin the tents of the just: R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia. The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it. R. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.or:R. Alleluia.   2nd Reading – 1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.   Alleluia – John 20:29 R. Alleluia, alleluia.You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;Blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 20:19-31 On the evening of that

Saturday in the Octave of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 4:13-21 Observing the boldness of Peter and John and perceiving them to be uneducated, ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed, and they recognized them as the companions of Jesus. Then when they saw the man who had been cured standing there with them, they could say nothing in reply. So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, and conferred with one another, saying, “What are we to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows that a remarkable sign was done through them, and we cannot deny it. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.” So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened. Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 118:1 and 14-15AB, 16-18, 19-21 R. (21a) I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or: R. Alleluia. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just. R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or: R. Alleluia. “The right hand of the LORD is exalted; the right hand of the LORD has struck with power.” I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. Though the LORD has indeed chastised me, yet he has not delivered me to death. R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or: R. Alleluia. Open to me the gates of justice; I will enter them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the just shall enter it. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me and have been my savior. R. I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me. or: R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – Psalms 118:24 R. Alleluia, alleluia. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – Mark 16:9-15 When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and

By Courtney Grogan Catholic News Agency April 14, 2023 ROME— The Vatican announced Thursday the date and theme for the third annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The event will take place this year on July 23, the Sunday before the feast of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, and the theme for the day, selected by the pope, will be “His mercy is from age to age” (Lk 1:50). According to the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, the theme is linked to the theme for World Youth Day 2023, which also comes from the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke: “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39). Pope Francis will preside over a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the grandparents’ day and has invited parishes, dioceses, associations, and communities around the world to celebrate the day “in their own pastoral context.” The pope, who is 86 years old, has been an advocate for the dignity of the aging and has often emphasized the important role of grandparents in passing on the Catholic faith. He established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly in 2021. Last year’s theme came from Psalm 92:15: “In old age they will still bear fruit.” 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 in the Octave of Easter 1st Reading – Acts 4:1-12 After the crippled man had been cured, while Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them, disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They laid hands on Peter and John and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening. But many of those who heard the word came to believe and the number of men grew to about five thousand. On the next day, their leaders, elders, and scribes were assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly class. They brought them into their presence and questioned them, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them, “Leaders of the people and elders: If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a cripple, namely, by what means he was saved, then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.”   Responsorial Psalm – Psalms 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27A R. (22) The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.or:R. Alleluia. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,for his mercy endures forever.Let the house of Israel say,“His mercy endures forever.”Let those who fear the LORD say,“His mercy endures forever.” R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.or:R. Alleluia. The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it. R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.or:R. Alleluia. O LORD, grant salvation!O LORD, grant prosperity!Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD;we bless you from the house of the LORD.The LORD is God, and he has given us light. R. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.or:R. Alleluia.   Alleluia – Psalms 118:24 R. Alleluia, alleluia.This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it.R. Alleluia, alleluia.   Gospel – John 21:1-14 Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him,