Ecclesiastical Processes and Offices that were erroneously depicted by Dan Brown in “Angels and Demons”

To those who have read the novel or watched the movie, I am offering the following observations about the things that were erroneously depicted in the novel/movie particularly in the scenes depicting the “Sede Vacante(1)” and “Conclave(2)”, to put things in the right perspective:

On the Manner of Burial of the Pope
In examining the body of the previous Pope, the Swiss Guards simply slid back the marble top of the tomb to check the tongue of the Pope; while as a matter of fact, Popes are laid in 3 coffins(3) , which would have made this task somewhat more difficult.

Conclave
The novel (made into a movie) asserts several non-facts about the process of a Papal conclave. It suggests that only cardinals may be elected in a conclave and when they considered the camerlengo to be the next pope, one of the cardinals said that the only requirement is for one to have been ordained. This is not true, because technically, any baptized male Catholic who is not a heretic, or in schism, or notorious for simony can be elected pope. The last man who was not a bishop to be elected pope was Cardinal Mauro Alberto Cappellari, a Camaldolese monk and prefect of the former Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith, who was elected in 1831 and took the name Gregory XVI. The last non-cardinal to be elected pope was in 1378 when the Archbishop of Bari became Pope Urban VI. During a period of intense rivalry between Roman noble families, at least three laymen were elected pope: Benedict VIII (1012-24); John XIX (1024-32); and Benedict IX (1032-44; 1045;047-48).

The novel further suggests that four candidates whom Langdon calls the “preferitti” are semi-formally chosen, including a head, to become the candidates for papacy, thus making the Conclave obsolete. This is again not true. Though there are “papabile” (papable) cardinals, they are not practical definites before the beginning of the conclave. Further, ballots are restricted to two in the morning and two in the afternoon and each group is burned together. Dan Brown indicates they are burned individually and indicates that more than two may occur in the afternoon. The Cardinals do not stay in the Sistine Chapel overnight. They go back to Domus Sanctae Marthae (the cardinals’ official residence in the Vatican during conclave) after two balloting in the morning and two balloting in the afternoon (in the case a pope hasn't been elected in those balloting).


The Camerlengo
Brown gives the role of “Camerlengo” to the late Pope's secretary. The Camerlengo does play an important role during the Sede Vacante and Conclave, but he is never the pope's secretary. In fact, the Camerlengo is a member of the College of Cardinals and is appointed by the pope. He serves as acting head of State of the Vatican City during the “Sede Vacante”. The late Pope's secretary has no authority over anyone in the Vatican, as he loses his job when the pope dies.


The Dean of College of Cardinals
Also, the novel states that the "Dean of the College of Cardinals" of the conclave cannot be elected; in fact, he can, and he actually was in the 2005 conclave (the then Cardinal Ratzinger was the Dean of the College of Cardinals). It should also be noted that the "Devil's Advocate" has nothing to do with the papal election (but with the process of beatification).

Although "Angels and Demons" is a fiction, I was compelled to write these observations because most readers/watchers tend to take what they read/watch as the truth. As a priest, I was bombarded with questions about it years ago, when the novel first came out.

___________________

(1)The expression sede vacante in this sense, refers to the vacancy of the Holy See, which occurs after the death or resignation of a pope. In a wider sense, it refers to the vacancy of the episcopal see of a particular church. It is Latin for "the seat being vacant, that is, the cathedra of the particular church. This means that for a diocese the diocesan bishop has either died, resigned, transferred to a different diocese, or lost his office and a replacement has not yet been named. If there is a coadjutor bishop for the church, then this period does not take place, as a coadjutor bishop immediately succeeds to the episcopal see.

(2)The convening of the College of Cardinals for the purpose of electing the pope, when the holy see is vacant.

(3) The innermost coffin is made of cypress to signify the pope'shumanity. Before burial, the cypress coffin is sealed in an 800-pound lead coffin. The outermost coffin is made of elm to symbolize the great dignity of the pope. Both the lead and elm coffins bear bronze plaques with the name of the pope and the significant dates of his life.

With Pope Benedict XVI for the Second Time

I attended this year's Papal Meeting with the Clergy of Rome which is held on Thursday after Ash Wednesday each year. I am elated to have been able to kiss the hands of Pope Benedict XVI for the second time in two years. This time, I asked the Pope to bless me and he gladly affixed the sign of the cross on my forehead. There were around 500 priests who attended the meeting at the Aula della Benedizione in the Apostolic Palace. Only those of us who were seated towards the aisle were able to kiss the Pope's hand (we were lucky to enter the hall earlier then the others). The Pope was in jovial mood during the meeting, he cracked jokes and addressed issues that were raised by Parish Priests. I will forever cherish my moments with him as I am on my last year in Rome.

No one can claim right over other’s life (even the unborn)

The recent directive of President Obama to restore funding by the US Government for clinics that perform abortion all over the world was welcomed by the pro-choice advocates but drew a flak from pro-life advocates and the Vatican. In a rally held by both parties in San Francisco last week, a Filipina pro-choice advocate said in an interview that she is happy with the directive because it upholds the human rights of women. She even asserted that although she is a Catholic, she believes that her Church should not meddle with the affairs of the state. People who use the same argument would cite the separation of Church and state enshrined in the constitution whenever the Church upholds morality. They missed the point. Abortion is a moral issue on which the Church claims competence.

The Church (not only the Catholic Church) believes that life begins at the moment of conception. It is her moral obligation to advocate this reality based on divine law. Women who say that abortion is a right are misguided or are simply ego-driven. While it is true that they have right over their bodies, it is an absolute truth that no one can ever claim a right over the life of others (even the unborn).

My Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

(Where Our Lord Jesus Christ was Born)

(The site of the Crucifixion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ)

(The spot where Christ our Lord was laid when he was brought down from the Cross)

(The Lord's Tomb- where He was buried and where He rose again)

I have visited shrines of apparitions of Our Mother Mary and saw birthplaces, uncorrupted bodies and tombs of Saints as well as Churches of great significance in different countries but something made me crave for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. At the back of my mind, all of my other pilgrimages would not be complete if I will not be able to see where Our Lord Jesus Christ was born, where He embarked on his ministry and made miracles and where he suffered, died and resurrected. I first planned to go to Holy Land in 2006, when a group of student priests went on a pilgrimage there. Unfortunately, I could not go out of Italy at that time because my permit to stay was not yet renewed. On December of the same year, I wanted to go and spend Christmas in Betlehem but I was discouraged by my friends because of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah at that time. After two failed tries, my dream was realized as I joined the other Ilocano Priests studying in Rome on a pilgrimage. It was a perfect time for a pilgrimage- a Holy Week in the Holy Land is an experience of a lifetime. However, as the day of our departure fast approached, we were filled with anxiety upon hearing from those who have been there about how hard it is to come in and out of Israel (the removal of things from check in baggages for inspection and the interrogation by at least three immigration officers etc.). We were also afraid because of the recent killing of 9 Jewish seminarians by their Arab driver a week before our flight. Archbishop Yllana, the Apostolic Nuncio to Pakistan who happened to be in our residence days before our flight told us that if we keep on allowing fear to engulf ourselves, we will never be able to visit the Holy Land. Here is the rest of our itinerary:

Day 1 (March 15): Arrival, Visit to Notre Dame Chapel (Click here)

Day 2 (March 16) Palm Sunday in Jerusalem: We concelebrated with the Most Rev. Antonio Franco, DD former Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines and current Apostolic Nuncio to Israel for the 9 am Palm Sunday Mass at the Notre Dame Chapel in Jerusalem. We joined the Palm Sunday procession from Bethpage near Mount of Olives to Jerusalem (following the original route of our Lord). Along the way, we met the healing priest Fr. Fernando Suarez who invited us to join his pilgrim group and stay in their hotel free of charge. We already experienced the grace of God in our second day in the Holy Land. (Click here)

Day 3 (March 17)- Caesarea, Haifa, Nazareth, Cana: We visited the ancient port of Caesarea and the Church of Stella Maris in Haifa. We concelebrated mass with Fr. Suarez at the Church of Annunciation (the site where the Angel Gabriel told Mary about God’s plan) in Nazareth. Pilgrims who are celebrating their wedding anniversary renewed their vows at the Church of Cana where Jesus turned water into wine during a wedding feast. (Click here )

Day 4 (March 18)- Sea of Galilee, Mt. Beatitudes, Caphernaum, Tabgha and Jordan River: We crossed the Sea of Galilee (where Jesus walked on the water) on a boat captained by a Messianic Jew (Jewish Christian). We concelebrated mass in Mt. Beatitudes (where the Lord preached theBeatitudes). We visited the town of Jesus in Caphernaum and saw the ruins of Peter’s house. We also visited the Tabgha church where the multiplication of loaves took place. Lastly, we visited the Jordan River (where Christ was baptized). Click here

Day 5 (March 19)- Mt. Tabor, Jaffa: We attended mass in the Transfiguration Church in Mt. Tabor (place of Transfiguration). We also visited St. Peter’s Church in Jaffa. (Click here )

Day 6 (March 20)- Abu Gosh: We went to a Retreat House in Abu Gosh (between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem). We concelebrated the Mass of the Last Supper and we gave a retreat to the El Shaddai members from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. (Click here)

Day 7 (March 21)- Good Friday in Jerusalem: After giving talks on the seven last word, we went back to Jerusalem and did the Via Crucis. Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, we paid homage to the place where Christ was crucified, the stone where he was laid after he was taken from the cross, and the tomb where he was laid to rest and where He resurrected on the third day. (Click here )

Day 8 (March 22) Jericho, Dead Sea, Easter Vigil in Jerusalem: We visited the spot where the house of Zaccheus once stood as well as the sycamore tree purported to be the tree Zaccheus climbed to see Lord. We also went to the Mount of Temptation where Christ was tempted by the devil and where the the Qarantal Monastery is located. After lunch, we proceeded to the Dead See. In the evening we concelebrated the Easter Vigil Mass. (Click here )

Day 9 (March 23) Chapel of the Ascension, Church of Gethsemani, Wailing Wall: We visited and prayed at the small chapel where Christ Ascended into Heaven and the Church of Gethsemani where Christ spent his agony before he was arrested. The olive trees (thousands years old) are still there. We joined our Jewish brethren in praying at the “wailing wall” late in the afternoon. (Click here)

Day 10 (March 24) Ein Kerem, Bethany, Pater Noster and Betlehem: We were fortunate to have Sr. Aurora, SPC as our guide to the Arab Controlled parts of the Holy Land. We first visited and prayed at the Visitation Church (where the visitation of Mary to Elizabeth took place) and the Church of St. John (where John the Baptist was born) in Ein Kerem. We proceeded to Bethany where we visited the tomb of Lazarus and the Church of Martha and Mary (where their house used to stand). We also visited the Pater Noster Church in Mt. of Olives (where the Lord taught his disciples the Pater Noster). We sang the Our Father in Tagalog and Ilocano. In the afternoon, we went to Betlehem where we visited the Milk Chapel (where Mary nursed baby Jesus before they fled to Egypt), the Basilica of the Nativity (where Christ our Lord was born), and the Shepherds’ Field (where the angel appeared to the Shepherds).Click here

Day 11 (March 25) St. Peter’s Church in Galicantu, The Last Supper Room (Cenaculum), The Church of Dormision: On our Last Day, we visited the Church of Galicantu (where Peter felt remorse on his denial of the Lord upon hearing the cock crow), the Last Supper Room (where the Lord instituted the Eucharist), and the Dormision Church (where Mary went into her eternal sleep). Click here

I wish that every priest will be able to visit the Holy Land. Visiting the place where it all happened helps a lot in understanding the context of the Gospels.

10th Anniversary

(My Ordination Logo)

Today is the 10^th Anniversary of my Sacerdotal Ordination. I celebrated the Mass in joyful thanksgiving to God for the gift of Vocation at the Mother of Mercy Grotto beneath St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. My friends Fr. Gregory Gaston and Fr. Tony Ricarte concelebrated with me. I am sharing with you my mother’s speech after my ordination (my father died two years before I was ordained):

“My Only Son- Now A Priest”

Your Excellencies- Bishop Miguel Purugganan and Co-Adjutor Bishop Sergio Utleg, Rev. Monsignori, Rev. Fathers, Beloved Friends and Relatives, Good Morning.

Where should I begin…. I do not know how to start for I have diverse feelings as I stand before you this morning- a feeling of happiness and a feeling of pensiveness. On one hand, I am happy and full of eagerness because at long last, my son’s cherished dream of reaching the goal for which he has been called has been realized. On the other hand, I should say that contrasting this feeling of gladness is a lingering anxiety due to the conspicuous absence of my late husband on this momentous event in the life of our only son.

Twenty-seven years ago, my late husband and I were both very happy and filled with enthusiasm when I gave birth to a very healthy baby boy- our second child. Our old folks were then very exuberant- arguing among themselves whom the baby boy would be like. The first thing we did was to give him a name- we got his name from the calendar which was then customary at that time- interestingly, we gave him the name of a great Pope who became a saint- St. Gregory VII. Little did we know, he is going to live up literally closer to his name- Gregorio, which also comes from the Latin word grex- which means flock. As a priest, he will be tending and guiding a flock- the Lord’s flock.

Grevy, as he is fondly called, was brought up in an atmosphere wherein he was made aware of God’s presence and love as we opened his eyes into our faith. This, for us, is our greatest achievement as his parents. He grew up like any other normal boy- playful, active and full of excitement. At such an early age we already noticed in him the earlier manifestations of the seed of vocation. I do not know if Fr. Grevy could still remember- when he was barely five years old, there is one instance which has literally manifested such an inclination. As some of you could recall, my late Mother-in-law was then the one in-charge of the maintenance of the statues of santos and santas in this Church. There was a time when she brought home the garments of those statues for laundry. Little Grevy got a hand on one of them- a white one, and fitted it into himself like a small cassock. Then, he came out running- trying to steal everyone’s attention by saying “innadda bi- Fr. Uanan baddi nga(look at me I am little Fr. Uanan)- obviously inferring himself to his uncle, “Fr. Uanan dakal”- Fr. Pacoy. At that time, also another relative, his first cousin- Fr. Edwin Ramirez was still a seminarian.

What we have noticed were confirmed when, upon graduation from elementary, he intimated unto us that he wanted to study in the minor seminary- San Jacinto Seminary in Tuguegarao. He asked us something which we could not, in any way, refuse. Thus, my late husband and I agreed to send him in that school. Relatives and friends had mixed reactions upon learning that he is entering the seminary- some said that two priests in the clan is enough. Others were concerned that no one will propagate the family name, Grevy being the only son. Nevertheless, we allowed him to pursue what he desired. We did not, in any manner, force him into it. After all, who are we to force into him or to stand against- such a craving of the heart. After the minor seminary, he decided to continue. He entered the major seminary. Again, we did not stand on his way. Neither was his decision due to our propensity. It was his vocation, not ours. At that time we are sure about his conviction and we have accepted it. The least that we could do was to support and nurture his calling and pray for his success. This we did until he has reached his goal. We are, therefore, glad that he has reached this moment in his life.

My dear son, today marks the attainment of your aspiration. You are now standing by the altar of the Lord. We share in your blissfulness on this day. Allow me then to give you some parental advises before you are plunged into the real world. You must not be engrossed about having reached the top because the priesthood entails leading and serving at the same time. The priesthood is not a career where the success is gauged by fame, wealth and gain. Look at this moment as the beginning, not the fulfillment, for it is in how you will serve that your success will be seen. Moreover, you should not claim the success- for this belongs to God whom you shall serve all your life as his instrument. Be faithful to your vocation.

Finally, as I wind up my message I would like to take the opportunity to thank the bishop and the co-adjutor bishop with the clergy of the diocese of Ilagan in welcoming my son into their fold. I did not lost a son, rather we have gained a larger family in you. To Fr. Pacoy(Fr. Uanan “dakal”) who has untiringly supported Fr. Grevy(Fr. Uanan “baddi”- no longer small literally speaking). To the seminary formators here present, who have guided my son during his seminary formation and to those who have helped my son reach his goal in one way or another, my deepest gratitude. To all of you dear friends and relatives who have graced this most awaited moment in the life of my son, Thank You Very Much!

To my dear friends on the net, please pray for me....

Media Sensationalism and the Church

The purported reason for the suicide of a young girl in Davao was proven to be an issue hyped-up by media sensationalism. At first the media projected that the young girl committed suicide because of poverty. The initial reports had her diary as a basis. As a result, a Bishop commented that her death is everybody’s fault, activists used the poor child’s name to put the blame on the government, Davao politicians blamed each other and one politician even cursed his political rival on television. All of these are consequences of the emerging trend of decadence in the quality of journalism in the Philippines. As the body of the child was exhumed, the medico-legal found out that there is evidence that the child has been raped. This is the real cause of the child’s suicide. It is horrible that the child, even in her death, has become a victim of media sensationalism all for the sake of a sure-hit banner story or headline that would sell newspapers and tabloids and draw the attention of tv viewers.

Most journalists could no longer separate raw news from a commentary. It is one thing to report the news per se. It is another thing to comment on the news. The Church is also a victim of such journalistic trend. For instance, every time a Bishop speaks, news items would refer to it as a “CBCP stand”. On television interviews, I have noticed on several instances that before they show the bishop being interviewed, the CBCP building in Intramuros is first shown. One bishop or a group of bishops is not the CBCP. Sometimes the Bishops are caught off guard and are pitted against each other (in one case, a bishop said that the Church condemns suicide, the other bishop says the Church has softened its stance and the headline for it came out as “Bishops divided on suicide”). Sadly, the bishops have unwittingly allowed themselves to be victims of media sensationalism. The CBCP media office should step in and put things in proper perspective so as not to mislead the laity on things that pertain to faith and morals.

Ride on no more!

(Photo taken from: http://www.gmanews.tv/images/topstories/1217f.jpg )

As expected, the Prayer Rally that was spearheaded by the CBCP yesterday was attended by the opposition stalwarts including Former President Cory Aquino. The good thing is that the Church-based organizers of the prayer rally insisted on a rule not to allow politicians on the stage, not to allow politicians to speak and not to display banners and streamers that have political connotations. This is something new. I hope that all “Prayer Rallies” will be done in that way so as not to taint purely prayerful purpose. It is high time that a line be drawn between a prayer rally and a political rally. The Church has accommodated politicians for the sake of common cause and clamors in the past. But recent developments have shown that politicians of both sides of the political sphere try to court the Church’s nod on issues that pertain to leadership and governance in the Philippines. The CBCP’s reluctance to heed the oppositions’ call for President GMA’s resignation drew a hush among those who expect the Church to lead another EDSA. On the other hand, there are bishops who deviate from the official stand of the CBCP on such issues and chose to assert their “independence” as individual prelates. It is good that there are only about five of them. I have said in a previous article that such defiant and deviant stance of some bishops send wrong signals and cause confusion among the faithful. The CBCP is on the right track with the latest Prayer Rally it organized, but it must also dissuade its members from defying its official stance and pronouncements.

Let us pray for consistency.

Pope Benedict XVI: Wrongfully condemned and maligned

(Picture taken by GCU during the Consistory on March 2006)

I find it outrageous that most of our Muslim brothers condemn His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on account of a quotation he used in his lecture at the Aula Magna of the University of Regensburg on Tuesday (12 September 2006). The Pakistani Parliament condemned him. In India, he was likened to Hitler and Mussolini. Elsewhere, his effigy was burned. But, what did the Pope say exactly? He quoted from a book in which 14th-century Byzantine Christian Emperor Manuel II Paleologos and a Persian have a conversation about truths of Christianity and Islam. "'The emperor comes to speak about the issue of jihad, holy war,' Benedict said. 'He said, I quote, "Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." These were not the Pope’s words per se as he quoted them from an old book in an effort to venture upon the issue of understanding among religions as his lecture was on Faith and Reason. Does he deserve to be condemned for merely quoting that book?

They demand his apology. But, did they ever consider the context of his quotation? They who condemn him ought to read the Pope’s full lecture, otherwise they are pathetically reactionary and simply irrational. The complete text of his lecture can be read on the Vatican website: http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20060912_university-regensburg_en.html

OPPPSS HE DIT IT AGAIN!!!

Bishop Tobias admitted to have coddled the Magdalo soldiers who were fugitives from justice. No matter what his justifications are, he coddled FUGITIVES FROM JUSTICE. What a shame! This Bishop cannot, in any way, justify such blunder or imprudent judgment. An Estrada scion quickly came to his aid saying that there is nothing wrong with what Tobias did because Chavit Singson was also coddled by the late Cardinal Sin at the height of his expose on jueteng. Holy Bananas! The Estrada scion may have forgotten or is simply naive of the fact that the Magdalo are fugitives while Chavit Singson was not.

It must be stressed that the Magdalo soldiers are on trial for the failed Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 which may have pushed back the Philippine economy to about 3 years backwards. They should not be confused with the group of Col. Ariel Querubin, Gen. Danny Lim and the others who attempted a "withdrawal of support” last February. By escaping, the Magdalo soldiers became fugitives from justice at the time when Bishop Tobias gave them sanctuary and brought them to different safe houses. In doing so, he may have unwittingly accepted violence as a means to overthrow the government as the MAGDALO espouses such means.

Bishop Tobias very well personifies the quintessential “partisan prelate”. Yes he did it again. The Bishop who said sorry “on behalf of the Church” to ERAP last April, did it again. With the rate he is going, he will do it again and again and again.

G.C. UANAN
20 July 2006

The Da Vinci Code "Ho-hum" Movie

I watched the Da Vinci Code movie with the thought that I will be better prepared to to answer the questions of those who are intrigued by it. The movie turned out to be "ho-hum" two and a half-hour long. I was amused at how the Opus Dei "Monk" was portrayed. He is dressed like a Franciscan (the Franciscans must be laughing no end). It is absurd! There is no such thing as an Opus Dei "Monk" and neither is there a self flagellation being done by the members of the prelature to atone for sins committed. How Dan Brown’s characters- Langdon and Teabing were so convinced about the Christ and Mary Magdalene relationship without any credible historical evidence is despicable. Even as Dan Brown claims to have based his allusion to the purported wedding of Christ to Mary Magdalene in the apocryphal “gospels” of Philip and Mary Magdalene, there is nothing in such writings that refer to the wedding theory. I do not think the film will have that faith-shaking effect anticipated by the modern day Judases who sell Jesus once more (this time for millions of dollars) to publishers and film-makers and unassuming readers with the hope of misguiding them as Fr. Cantalamesa (the Papal Preacher) said in his homily on Good Friday.

My impression on the movie? It is a PURE FICTION which lacks the convincing power of THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST which is based on the GOSPELS--- our real source of the TRUTH. But even if it is merely a fiction the novel/movie should be subject to our critical judgement. What if it were a case of a fiction depicting Hitler as a Saint? We cannot just take it sitting down and be lame duck Christians. The Opus Dei should file a defamatory case against the author, publishers and producers of the novel/movie. I think they have a strong case because they were portrayed wrongly and maliciously. For our part, rather than call for the banning or boycott of the movie or go on a book-burning spree (which will make bigots out of us), we have to take it as an opportunity to educate our people on the Divinity of Jesus Christ our Lord.


Again I reiterate that the following online articles should be read especially by those who have read the novel or watched the movie:

http://www.catholic.com/library/cracking_da_vinci_code.asp

www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2006/dvh_excerpts1_jan06.asp

G.C. UANAN
22 May 2006

Year of Social Concerns

The declaration of the CBCP for a Year of Social Concerns in the Philippines is well-timed as the country is presently plunged in a political turmoil stemming up from a dubious presidential mandate that has been the bone of contention and the cause of disunity among our political leaders for almost a year. It is my ardent hope that the Social Concern catechesis would deal with the very issue of why the Catholic Church sets foot into the domain of politics. Explanations should be made in words that are palatable to the “masa” who comprise majority of our people. There were previous publications by CBCP such as the “Pastoral Exhortation of Philippine Politics” (1997) and the “Catechism on the Church and Politics” (1998), but they were too highly-worded for the masa and were not widely circulated to reach the grassroots.

The issue on the Church’s involvement in politics has been debated upon and rehashed for ages. Those who have been admonished by the Church would cry out that it is an intrusion, a violation of the separation of Church and State. On the other hand, for those who seem to have benefited from the Church’s pronouncements, the Church has the right to deal with the morality of politics.

Aside from declarations and exhortations, the Bishops must also put their acts together. It is disgusting to note that there were instances (quite a lot) wherein the CBCP issues its Pastoral Statement on a certain socio-political issue and on the very next day there are a handful of bishops who would tend to speak or do things contrary to such pronouncements. Such actuations send confusing signals to the laity. Dissenting opinions by individual bishops should be confined to their plenary assembly and not addressed through what seems to be self-aggrandizement through the media.

G.C. UANAN
13 May 2006

The Gospel of Judas: Is it really faith-shaking?

The Gospel of Judas was hyped by the media (those with the hidden agenda of undermining the truths of our Catholic Faith) as something that would shake the faith of its readers specifically on the passion and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The showing of the documentary on the said gospel over the National Geographic Channel was obviously deliberately timed to coincide with the Catholic Church's Palm Sunday celebration to add more sense of relativity. A brother priest sent me a copy of the said Gospel of Judas. It has seven pages on PDF format. I read it and found nothing faith-shaking.

The said gospel is believed to have been written by the Gnostics which is described by the Catholic Encyclopedia as those who believe in the "doctrine of salvation by knowledge. This definition, based on the etymology of the word (gnosis "knowledge", gnostikos, "good at knowing"), is correct as far as it goes, but it gives only one, though perhaps the predominant, characteristic of Gnostic systems of thought. Whereas Judaism and Christianity, and almost all pagan systems, hold that the soul attains its proper end by obedience of mind and will to the Supreme Power, i.e. by faith and works, it is markedly peculiar to Gnosticism that it places the salvation of the soul merely in the possession of a quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and of magic formulae indicative of that knowledge. Gnostics regard themselves as "people who knew", and their knowledge at once constituted them a superior class of beings, whose present and future status was essentially different from that of those who, for whatever reason, did not know."

Gnosticism is a heresy. Projecting the Gospel of Judas as historically true is tantamount to reviving a doctrine of the Gnostic heresy. Those who brought it up have an agenda. They point out that the Gnostic Gospels were not included in the Canonical Books that would comprise the Bible because mainstream Crhistianity wanted to silence Gnosticism. My sacred scriptures professor in UST, Fr. Angel Aparicio, OP contends in an interview that "the Gospel of Judas and other Gnostic writings such as the supposed Gospel of Mary Magdalene were excluded from the final canon of the New Testament not because the Catholic Church was trying to silence other Christian groups, but because their authenticity and fidelity to the teachings of Christ were suspect right from the start." (cf. http://news.inq7.net/nation/index.php?index=1&story_id=72478 ).

The peddlers of the Gospel of Judas try to project that Christ has mandated his own betrayal and that Judas facilitated the salvation of the world by his act of betrayal. One passage quotes Jesus telling Judas, "For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me." I only have one argument against such claim that Judas merely obeyed our Lord Jesus Christ in betraying Him: If that was the case, why did he feel the guilt and committed suicide???

The Gospel of Judas failed its peddlers for it did not snowball faith-shaking doubt from believers. The text itself is incomplete, there were missing lines as the manuscript has deteriorated.

I conclude by quoting James Martin in his article "Betrayal or devotion?: No revelations in Gospel of Judas": "The Gospel of Judas will continue to be fodder for television shows, magazine covers and lunchtime conversations. But the answer to the question raised every Good Friday remains the same. Why did Judas do it? Because Judas, like many of us, wanted to make God in his own image- rather than the other way round." (cf. The international Herald Tribune, April 12, 2006, p. 8 )

G. C. UANAN
23 April 2006

ON THE DA VINCI CODE

Dear Friends,

The Da Vince Code movie will be shown next month. Some people tend to take it as a true story rather than a mere fiction. I can give you some files that I have compiled which may be of help in enlightening them on the TRUTH. If you would like to be furnished with those files, feel free to email me on this email address: grevy_05@yahoo.com. You can also access some writings that would prove that the Da Vinci Code is a HOAX on these websites:

http://www.catholic.com/library/cracking_da_vinci_code.asp

www.ignatiusinsight.com/features2006/dvh_excerpts1_jan06.asp

Please send them to your friends. Let us help those being deceived realize that a HALF truth is a WHOLE LIE!

G. C. UANAN
22 April 2006

ON BISHOP TOBIAS' APOLOGY TO ERAP

I was shocked, having watched over the GMA-7's "24 ORAS" Bishop Tobias' apology to ERAP in his Homily on the Eucharistic celebration for ERAP'S birthday. I first read the writing about it and when the news clip was not yet available online I ardently hoped it was just another misquotation by the seemingly sensationalist Philippine media. But when I watched the clip, I was dismayed to hear these words from the Bishop of Novaliches to Erap: "I hope you can forgive the Catholic Church for what happened to you." He reaffirmed such stance by saying on an interview by a reporter of GMA-7 saying, "Nag apologize ako kay former President dahil isang sama ng kanyang loob ay nag-umpisa siya sa politika sa pagsusundot ng simbahan at in the end, ang simbahan din at ito ay ang mga katoliko lalong lalo na ang mga Obispo ang nakapaalis sa kanya." The Bishop should not have apologized on behalf of the entire Catholic Church for I am sure his thoughts are not shared by majority of the Catholic Church. Much more, he could not apologize on behalf of the other Bishops, most of whom issued their own pastoral statements calling for ERAP'S resignation in 2000. The most that he could have said is to ask ERAP'S forgiveness for his "personal participation" in EDSA 2. The Catholic Church Hierarchy (or should i say overwhelming majority of it) went against ERAP after feeling the pulse of the masses. But here is a Bishop apologizing on behalf of the multitudes of Catholics who joined EDSA 2. That is a travesty!!!! I was at EDSA 2 and I do not feel the need to apologize to ERAP. Bishop Tobias cannot apologize for me! Neither can he apologize for the multitudes of Catholics- religious and laity alike who called for ERAP'S resignation.

G. C. UANAN
21 April 2006

THE DEATH OF POPE JOHN PAUL II AND ELECTION OF POPE BENEDICT XVI: REVISITING MY DIARY ENTRIES

It has been a year since the death of Pope John Paul the Great and the Election of Pope Benedict the XVI. I would like to share my diary entries on those historical events to my readers especially to my relatives and friends :


THE DEATH OF JOHN PAUL THE GREAT

April 1, 2005
> 8:00 PM- I joined the Rosary vigil for the dying Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Square

April 2, 2005
> 9:00 PM- I, together with Fr. Rey Adalid, OP, Fr. Arlou Buslon and Fr. Edison Escario, joined the rosary vigil for Pope John Paul II at St. Peter's Square . At around 10:03 PM, it was announced that Pope John Paul II died at 9:37 PM (at that moment, we were singing the litany of the saints). Apparently the last words uttered by the late pope were: "I have looked for you. Now you have come to me. And I thank you."

April 4, 2005
>11:00 AM- The day allotted for the religious to view the remains of Pope John Paul II. Together with Fr. Robbie Gaa and Fr. Jimel Valera, I paid homage to the remains of Pope John Paul II at the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. It took us three hours before seeing him.
>5:00 PM- I was at the St. Peter's square and witnessed the transfer of the remains of Pope John Paul II to the Basilica

April 6, 2005
>10-Hour Line to see the remains of Pope John Paul II: I decided to see once more the remains of Pope John Paul II. This time, I have to experience waiting in line for 10- hours even though we priests could have entered through the back door by showing our Vicariate of Rome Celebret to the Swiss Guards. With me were Fr. Raul Dael, Fr. Jess Layug, Fr. Edison Escario, Fr. Dodong Billones, Sr. Eliza, Sr. Daisy and Sr. Lerma. We joined the line along Borgo Pio at 4:40 AM and we were able to enter the Basilica at 2:30 PM. I must admit that i wanted to quit when we seem to be moving only a few meters per hour. I was, however, inspired at the sight of a Polish Bishop who decided to join the Polish Pilgrims with him, although he could easily get inside the Basilica because bishop's and priests were allowed to enter through the back door. I don't have any regrets though. When we were about to enter St. Peter's Square about 8 and a half hours later, Bombo Radyo Philippines called me through my cellular phone and i became an instant reporter for them- describing the sea of humanity who came to say thanks to a great man who inspired the whole world. I learned from tv news in the evening that there were 1.5 million people on that day.

April 7, 2005
>9:00 AM- Requiem Mass for Pope John Paul II at the Basilica. Among the PCF priests with me were Fr. Jimel Valera, Fr. Freddie Billanes, Fr. Jojo Buenafe and Fr. Edison Escario. Once more, we were able to pay homage to the remains of Pope John Paul II.
>7:30 PM- Mass of Filipinos for Pope John Paul II at the Basilica of Mary Major. The main celebrant was Archbishop Capalla. He was joined by Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and Auxiliary Bishop Cortez of Manila. Cardinal Bernard Law welcomed President GMA and other delegates.

April 8, 2005
>10:00 AM- Funeral of Pope John Paul II. We left PCF at 4:00 AM. We were able to enter St. Peter's Square at 7:30 AM. We wore black cassock with surplice and red stole. The main celebrant and homilist was the then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. His homily was applauded for more than 30 times. He ended his homily with these words: "None of us can ever forget how in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering, came once more to the window of the Apostolic Palace and one last time gave his blessing urbi et orbi. We can be sure that our beloved Pope is standing today at the window of the Father's house, that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen." After the Mass, when the coffin of John Paul the Great was raised facing the crowd, two giant streamers were unfurled bearing the inscription "SANTO SUBITO" (Saint Immediately). We were all in tears as the Sedieri Petri carrying the coffin entered the Basilica.

April 12, 2005
>Sede Vacante 2005 Stamps were made available

April 13, 2005
>I was able to buy the three sets (10 each) of the Sede Vacante 2005 Stamps and have them marked at the Vatican Post Office.


CONCLAVE 2005

April 16, 2005
>The PCF community had a picture taking session with His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, the lone Filipino cardinal to participate in the 2005 conclave

April 18, 2005
> First Day of Conclave 2005- I went to St. Peter's Square together with Fr. Edison, Fr. Giovanni, Sr. Eliza and Sr. Estella at around 4:00 PM. We watched the solemn entrance and beginning of the Conclave at the video walls of the square. There was only one balloting- black smoke came out of the chimney over the Sistine Chapel at 8:03 PM

April 19, 2005
>Second Day of Conclave 2005- We went to the St. Peter's Square at 9:30 AM. We brought Philippine flags and Vatican flags. The flags attracted the media- they asked us from which country we came from and they interviewed us about our views on the conclave and the papacy. The result of the first balloting (2nd overall) was a black smoke at 11:51 AM. Then shortly at 12:01, the result of the second balloting (3rd overall) was also black smoke.
>Habemus Papam- A group of Filipinos joined us because they saw us waving two big Philippine Flags in the afternoon. Then at around 5:49 PM, white smoke came out of the chimney over the Sistine chapel. And shortly at 6:05 PM the bells of St. Peter's Basilica began ringing, thereby confirming that a new pope has been elected. Everybody became ecstatic, it was a very festive atmosphere. At 6:43 PM Cardinal Jorge Arturo Medina Estevez, the senior cardinal-deacon (Proto-deacon) came out to the center balcony of the basilica announcing these words: "Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnum, Habemus Papam! Eminentissimum ac Reverendissimum Dominum, Dominum Iosephum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalem Ratzinger qui sibi nomen imposuit Benedictum XVI." Then, the people shouted Ratzinger! Ratzinger! then Benedetto! Benedetto! With that I became all the more ecstatic and jubilant for I somehow predicted that the new Pope would be Ratzinger and his name will be Benedict! I thought that if there is somebody who could assure continuity of Pope John Paul II's legacy, it would be Ratzinger. At 6:48 PM, Pope benedict XVI, preceded by the Cross appeared at the center balcony waving at the crowds, making the joined-hands clasped thanks gesture as well as the open hands gesture and then delivered his first ever Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) address as follows:

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
"After the great Pope John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple and humble labourer in the vineyard of the Lord. The fact that the Lord knows how to work and to act even with inadequate instruments comforts me, and above all I entrust myself to your prayers.
Let us move forward in the joy of the Risen Lord, confident of his unfailing help. The Lord will help us and Mary, his Most Holy Mother, will be on our side. Thank you."

I brought out the 12 rosaries I just bought and waved them to be blessed when the new pope gave us his blessing. We were also interviewed by Vicky Morales of GMA-7 when the crowd began to disperse.

April 24, 2005
>Inauguration of the Petrine Ministry of Pope Benedict XVI, 10:00 AM at St. Peter's Basilica. I was fortunate to be one of those who distributed Holy Communion.