FOR WE HAVE HAD MORE THAN OUR SHARE OF SCORN,

MORE THAN OUR SHARE OF JEERS FROM THE COMPLACENT,

AND OF SCORN FROM THE PROUD…”  (Psalm 123) 

We, the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, join the Philippine Church, and the tri-people of Mindanao in condemning the treacherous killing of Fr. Fausto Tentorio, PIME.  This act is a manifestation of heartlessness and ruthlessness on the part of the perpetrators and criminals. With this heinous crime, we are sad to note the persistence of the climate of impunity even under the new administration.

The AMRSP remembers  Fr. Fausto, a member of the Rural Missionaries, as a person who selflessly gave up his life by immersing himself in the lives and struggles of the people, especially the marginalized tribal Filipinos in Arakan, Cotabato.  He was the voice of the people in their struggle against mining and the destruction of ancestral lands. He relentlessly took up the defense of the poor and the oppressed against every form of social injustice. 

AMRSP denounces any form of repression especially through extrajudicial killings. Life is a gift from God and no one has the right to deprive anyone of it unjustly and with impunity. We demand justice for Fr. Fausto Tentorio!  We call on the present government to order an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure that justice be served. We enjoin the people to be vigilant for the perpetrators are still at large and may claim other victims. This is also a wakeup call for all religious to be cautious but never to be cowed by this brutality. Instead, it calls for our commitment to continue the cause for which Fr. Fausto has given up his life: namely the cause of the poor especially the  indigenous people and the protection of the environment. May this occasion urge the government to seriously take action on behalf of the indigenous people and to put an end to activities such as mining and logging that are wantonly destroying our environment. Then Fr. Fausto will not have died in vain.

AMRSP extends its sympathy to the PIME and to the family of Fr. Fausto and we assure them that his life will forever be remembered by all who work for justice and peace and the protection of mother earth!

May the God hear the cries of all victims of violence and may they obtain justice!

Justice for Fr. Fausto! Justice to all victims of extra-judicial killings!

Signed:

Sr.  Mary John  R.  Mananzan, OSB                 Fr.  Quirico  T. Pedregosa, OP

                                            AMRSP Co-Chairpersons

The AMRSP and its Mission Partners participated in Haribon Foundation’s Tree Planting Activity last September 3, 2011 at Tanay, Rizal.

Please click on the link for the CNN iReport:

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-668513

The participants of the AMRSP 2011 Biennial Convention at Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Humankind is standing at the edge of a deep chasm due to an increasing global warming and we realize that we are losing our foothold. We cannot allow this to happen.  We have to get our act together to hold our ground and prevent our fall.

We, the members of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines, were gathered for our Biennial Convention, on July 4-8, 2011, at St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality and Development Center, Puerto Princesa.   In this “cleanest and greenest city”, we were privileged to see the grandeur of creation in the Underground River, the lush trees of this city within a forest, the rich mountains, the pristine rivers and seas. We were awed by its magnificent bounty and beauty, re-affirming that all these are gifts from God, flowing from our Creator’s limitless love.

On the other hand, we are grieved by the continuing denudation of our forests, the plunder of our mineral wealth through reckless mining, the destruction of our biodiversity and the increasing depletion of our marine life and fresh water resources. We are losing our agricultural lands to subdivisions, malls, memorial parks and golf courses.  Our waters are contaminated.  The air we breathe is polluted.  All this environmental degradation across the country, contributes to global warming, which has, in turn, resulted in “climate change.” This climate change is already wreaking havoc on our earth, bringing death and disease to our peoples, damaging property and infrastructures, destroying crops, bringing in much flooding, soil erosion, and landslides. More of this will happen and worsen, unless something is done NOW.

In the face of such contrasting realities, together with our mission partners and resource persons, we have reflected deeply in prayer, study, and discernment on our convention’s theme – Climate Change: Its Impact and Challenges.

It disturbs us to recognize that even as we are agents of change and protectors of nature, we also intrude on her, and disturb her rhythm. We often forget that the web of life connects us all: what we destroy will destroy us in return. We realize that we must reclaim a sense of responsibility for nature, for the earth, for creation, because this is a mandate from God, and because this helps us provide for a sustainable future for succeeding generations. We should continue to develop and strengthen a spirituality that approaches nature with reverence, listening to it with respect, recognizing and understanding its language, accepting that humankind is not the center of creation.

As bearers of the Gospel, we accept the challenge to be agents of hope, ever striving to overcome the temptation to frustration and despair. We insist that we can still make a difference, even with seemingly small initiatives, in our communities, in our religious congregations, and in the Association itself. In this, we draw inspiration from various stakeholders in Puerto Princesa – the local government’s political will to preserve, protect and nurture environment’s integrity, the prophetic role assumed by the local church, and the witness and sacrifice of life by Dr. Gerry Ortega, and by many simple folks in Palawan who fight to save the environment.

We are challenged to assert our collective responsibility as God’s co-creators and stewards.  Creation has a soul and we have to recover the spiritual energy to assist in the healing process.  We are challenged to help avert environmental disaster by contributing to the greening of our forests, the de-silting of our rivers, the reduction of greenhouse gas emission effects, the management of our waste disposal, the conservation of energy, and protests against indiscriminate mining and logging.

We therefore re-commit ourselves to sustainable development.

• We will help combat climate change through information dissemination regarding the man-made factors causing it and its atrocious effects on the world’s ecological systems. We throw our support behind advocacy activities for the environment – signature campaigns, lobbying, mobilization and networking on the local and international levels.  We will participate in programs for reforestation, zero waste management (including recycling and waste segregation), composting and the use of organic farm inputs.
• We will exert effort towards the reduction of greenhouse gas effects, through the use of renewable energy and by water and energy conservation.   Such activities will be undertaken, like carpooling, biking, and using public transportation more to cut down on gas consumption. Likewise, the critical use of technology and her gadgets – cell phones, i-pods, the internet, and air condition units – will serve the same purpose.
• We will work for disaster risk management, in order to prevent the occurrence of climate tragedies. This will mean promoting consciousness-raising, environmental science in the curriculum, and disaster preparedness in our communities and institutions.
• We will continue to challenge the local and national government to implement already existing environmental laws and amend environmental policies contributing to environmental destruction and global warming.
• We affirm the work of AMRSP’s Justice and Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission and other Mission-Partners and call for the organization of fact-finding teams that will address the environmental concerns. 
• We take a stand alongside the many advocacy groups that work for the preservation of the remaining rich biodiversity in the country, like the “No to Mining in Palawan Movement”.  We express our solidarity with the families of the victims of violence against the “champions” of the environment and join them in their cause to obtain justice for their loved ones.

We anchor all our efforts on a Creation-centered Spirituality. In the end, we humbly entrust all our resolve to protect, care for and love our planet Earth to the Lord of creation and universe, the ultimate source of all life and being, who alone can make our dreams come true and renew the face of the earth.

Participants  of  the

AMRSP Joint Biennial  Convention

 July 4-8, 2011

St.  Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality & Development Center

San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Details:

1.   Theme:  “Climate Change: Its Impact and Challenges”

2.   Venue:   St. Ezekiel Moreno Spirituality & Development Center, San Jose, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

3.   Inclusive Time:

Arrival at the Convention site                   2:00 pm onwards of July 4, 2011

Convention officially starts                       4:30 pm with the Eucharistic Celebration

Concluding Eucharist                             11:00 am      July 8, 2011

3.   Resource Speakers:  Dr. Esteban C. Godilano, Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn, Ms. Gina Lopez, Sr. Perla Macapinlac, ICM and Atty. Rowena Guanzon

4.   Eco – Tour:  Underground River on the 2nd day of the Convention

For more details, feel free to contact us at the AMRSP office during office hours at telephone numbers (02) 7244434 and (02)4485644,

In this light, the AMRSP in coordination with the Socio-Pastoral Institute (SPI) will launch the First Facilitators’ Training-Workshop on SPIRITUALITY OF SERVICE/STEWARDSHIP with the theme : Renewing and Sustaining a Just, Moral and Humane Society through the Spirituality of Stewardship to be held at Villa Consuelo  Retreat House,  King Luther St. Del Rey Ville 2 Subd. Brgy. Camarin, Novaliches, Caloocan City  on May 13-14,  2011

Objectives:

1. To understand  Stewardship as  a way of life, a Call / Vocation which requires fidelity, accountability and transparency,
2. To realize that the Spirituality of Stewardship has the power to change individuals and the society,
3. To  reclaim one’s own giftedness and be willing to  share for the common good.

Resource Speakers:

            Fr.  Ramon Antonio Aldana, SDB and the Socio-Pastoral Institute Resource Pool

Should you wish to participate in this training workshop or want to know more details, please call the AMRSP Secretariat on or before May 9, 2011.

… In this way we distinguish the children of God from the children of the devil…1 John 3:10

In the past days our country was haunted with testimonies’ exposing the extent of corruption in one of the pillar – institutions of our land – the military! We are scandalized and aghast at the extent of moral decadence that afflicts the highest echelon of the supposed protector of the Filipino people! We are saddened to realize that while our ordinary soldiers are dying because of inadequacies, may it be training and logistical support.

This is part of a corrupt system! We realize the horror of the extent of this immoral practice and we are moved with great indignation! When will this decadent practice of corruption come to an end? Or rather will corruption ever end in this land? This moves us to realize how the devil continues to be at work! The devil personified continues to plunder our country’s resources at the expense of the poor who continue to suffer.

Despite this darkness that overshadows the Philippines, we also witness the dawn of hope through courageous men and women who stand for the truth and who personify the prophets of old who shouted and destroyed the faces of the evil ones! We journeyed with Jun Lozada, the first government whistle blower who dared to do so and then we had Nancy Gadian who exposed anomalies in the Balikatan Program. We thank God, for despite the evils’ reign, we see the reign of goodness now through the voices of Heidi Mendoza and Col. George Rabusa who speak for the TRUTH! Through them, we hope against all hope that the long reign of evil, of moral bankruptcy be exposed and brought to light.

Heidi Mendoza, a woman of courage, embodies the spirit of a real Filipino woman who is willing to risk all, to sacrifice all for the sake of truth and transparency. We thank God for the gift of this woman, who entered the male dominated Games of the Generals, not to be part of their corrupt exercise but to become a beacon of hope for those who dwell in darkness for so long. She proved once more that the integrity of the few honest Filipinos can overcome the excesses of the many. Her testimony brought courage and honor to ordinary government workers for she proved that not all in government are corrupt or can be corrupted. Her honesty and courage, shown in her testimony, are for us a manifestation of a great faith that can subdue all obstacles that hinder the exposition of
truth.

Col. George Rabusa, on the other hand, is a soldier who once succumbed to the temptation of power and riches.  Yet, transformation has dawned upon him.  His courageous revelations paved the way for the truth to be uncovered. We saw his strength and courage as he did his best to expose corruption in the military with unparalleled courage, honesty and sincerity, owing to the fact that he even admitted to being a beneficiary of the corrupt system. His transformation testifies that not all in the military are corrupt and decadent and that there is a possibility of a change of heart.

As these two courageous prophets spoke, we realize that there are good people out there who are willing to stand for our society’s honor and renewal. It is therefore unthinkable that such courageous and brave acts that had put their families at great risk would go to waste. We cannot just sit back and watch, pretending that nothing is happening!

Because of these, we call on our national government to show its political will by punishing all those who are involved, and make sure that the ones who stand for truth be protected. This is also a wake-up call for us in the Church and in civil society! The time has come for us to rise from slumber. We have to rise up now, show our indignation and demand that the truth must come out for us to be truly free! We must continue to commit ourselves to the crusade for truth and good governance by being vigilant and by being involved!

God protect Heidi Mendoza and Col. George Rabusa! May God protect our land!

…for the good ones, the peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seed which will bear fruit in holiness… (Jas. 3:18).

Signed:

Sr. Mary John M. Mananzan, OSB                                        Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, Jr., OP

AMRSP Co-Chairpersons

The AMRSWP will be holding a General Assembly for the Leaders of Local Women Religious Association with the theme “The Spirituality of Power:  From Control to Compassion” which will be held on January 21 to 22, 2011 at the Women and Ecology Wholeness Farm, Mendez, Cavite.

The AMRSWP is inspired to disseminate and share the insights and wisdom gained during the 2010 Convention to the local superiors especially in the exercise of power entrusted to us by our sisters.  Likewise, we are challenged to strenghten and broaden participation of women religious in the regions for closer networking and to enhance the organizational set up of the local superiors in the different dioceses/regions.

December 20, 2010

“Justice for whom? Justice delayed, justice denied: The Vizconde Tragedy”

After nineteen long years, justice continues to elude Estrellita, Carmela and Jennifer Vizconde, victims of a heinous crime, of rape and homicide.

It is difficult to understand how the Supreme Court could reverse the decisions of two lower courts who actually saw and heard the witnesses and were convinced by the prosecutors whom they also saw and listened to, beyond reasonable doubt, that the accused were guilty. It prompts one to ask: How reasonable was the doubt of the justices who voted for acquittal? With the Supreme Court’s decision overturning the rulings of the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals, we are back to square one – who killed the Vizcondes?

We share the grief and anguish of Lauro Vizconde who was treacherously robbed of a family and a peaceful life nineteen years ago. The wounds have been opened up again and there seems to be no closure to his ordeal.

Time is running out for those determined to bring the perpetrators to a court of law.

We implore the government to find and determine who the killers are and bring them before the bars of justice. This is made more urgent by the fact that no charges can be filed against them after the prescriptive period lapses (20 years according to news reports). And this investigation should not exclude those acquitted since even the spokesperson of the Supreme Court said their acquittal does not mean they are not guilty. We ask the Supreme Court to consider a motion of reconsideration by the prosecutors especially if they can present new witnesses.

Those who have knowledge of what happened on that fateful night of June 30, 1991, should come out and tell the truth. Be not afraid for the Lord our God is with you.

We ask those whose hands are bloodied by these heinous crimes to confess and accept the consequences. Sooner or later, you will face the Lord and be judged.

We pray for the victims – Estrellita, Carmela, Jennifer – that they may find peace in the bosom of our Lord.

We pray too for Lauro Vizconde at this time of great stress and ask the Lord to give him strength and courage to once again go through this ordeal. We beg in all humility that our just and loving Father give justice to Lauro and his family. 

Signed:

Sr.  Mary John M. Mananzan, OSB                                Fr.  Quirico T. Pedregosa, OP

                                                         AMRSP Co- Chairpersons

The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines condoled with the families of the victims and we join in their clamor for fast and credible investigation. We empathize with those who were traumatized by the said event, and we condemned and abhor in the strongest term such an inhuman act of violence. Lives were lost and we are once again confronted with the painful reality that in a country such as ours, violence had been committed shamelessly. We recognize the fact as well, that though foreigners were killed, the real losers of this tragic event are the Filipino people who are still reeling from their previous trauma’s of violent experiences, and who will continue to bear the stigma brought about by this sad event.

Truly, the hostage drama is worth our strongest condemnation, yet it is also a wakeup call for Filipinos to be more vigilant and show real concern for the well being of others. This calls us all to be united again and show to the world that we abhor violence not only for the sake of ensuring continued tourist arrivals, but to prove to the world that we are God-fearing and peace-loving people, and while we mourn with the families of those whose lives were lost, we want to assure them that we also want justice to be served on their loved ones. Nonetheless, we have to move on as a nation and face the grim yet hopeful prospects for the future.

For these, we call on the concerned sectors of our society to hasten their investigation and to ensure that proper action shall be done to those who may have been remiss with their duties of ensuring safety and order. We call on the media to be responsible and sensitive enough in their duties of reporting events and ensure that they practice discernment and prudence in the exercise of their profession. For our men in uniform, the police force; be responsible enough in ensuring safety of civilians, and professionalize your rank so that the blunder and the inefficiency that the world witnessed in that tragic Monday evening will never happen again. For our government in general, we call on you not only to repair our damaged reputation to the rest of the world, but to ensure that the lives of all will be safeguarded, and that respect for human dignity shall all the time be the parameter of your service.

Signed:   

                Sr.  Mary John Mananzan, OSB                             Fr. Quirico Pedregosa, OP            

                                                          AMRSP Co-Chairpersons