The articles published in the September – December 2023 issue are the following:

1. by Jeffrey Segovia tackles the understanding linked to the Valley of Hinnom as an allusion to the concept and image of eternal damnation, as well as uncovering the mystery of the silver scrolls of Ketef Hinnom, which is claimed to be one of the most important Biblical discoveries of antiquity.
2. by Leo-Martin Angelo Ruiz Ocampo investigates the experience of the School of Salamanca, how its core dynamic termed as the “Salamanca Process” embodies the charism of the Dominican Order, and the ongoing attempt to recover it as a model for the life and mission of Dominicans today as expressed in official documents of the Order.
3. by José Eugenio Borao Mateo is grounded on Spanish and Dutch documentary sources to provide a better understanding of the archaeological findings in the church, thus offering new perspectives on the archaeological conclusions by highlighting the distinction between two crucial elements: the convent and the church. In other words, the paper proposes the possibility that the final church, constructed with stone, may have remained unfinished, adding complication to the interpretation of the discovered cemetery in the same site.
4. by Allan A. Basas interrogates the presence of the notion of social responsibility in human being’s experiences, in recognition of the inviolability of the Other. Basas likewise urges the readers in a thematic discussion in the cusp of Levinas’ notion of social responsibility and Filipino sociality to show that responsibility is a universal value with many faces.
5. by Alexandre Coello de la Rosa tackles the figure of Don Diego Vázquez de Mercado, the first secular archbishop of Manila, and brings the other aspects of his tenure, such as his relations with the cathedral chapter and his tense relations with the governor of the Philippines, Don Juan de Silva y Enríquez (1609-1616).
6. by Jorge Mojarro
7. by Joselito B. Zulueta revisits the launch of the two volumes of “Doing Philosophy in the Philippines: The Thomasian Collection”, culled from the pages of UNITAS journal. It has embodied the most representative and the most extensive compendium of classic philosophical thinking in the 20th century in the Philippines. The two-volume book was edited by UST Professor Emeritus Alfredo P. Co and published by the UST Publishing House.
8. by Jose Adriand Emmanuel L. Layug talks about George Weigle’s service to the church and to all men of goodwill in search for the true meaning of Vatican II in his work “To Sanctify the World The Vital Legacy of Vatican II”.
9. by Melanie D. Turingan talks about the virtues exhibited by St. Joseph the Worker as God’s dutiful stalwart that provided Jesus a home together with the Virgin Mary, as well as how reader would take inspiration from his virtues.
10. by Blaise D. Ringor explored how Seifert synthesized the philosophies of thinkers like Dietrich von Hildebrand and Josef Pieper with the thoughts of Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II, concurrently offering a critical response to the work of scholars such as Josef Fuchs, Jonathan Harrison, and Franz Böckle. This allows the reader to engage and delve on the primary texts written by Karol Wojtyla/John Paul II.
11. by Marian Joanne Co-Pua, DCL celebrates how fr. Manlangit masterfully delivered his advocacy and its odyssey in tackling the core and essential concepts, principles, and issues in Bioethics.

According to its editor, Rev. fr. Jesus M. Miranda, Jr., O.P., PhD,  the digital interface “aims to facilitate the fluid curation and circulation of knowledge on ecclesiastical disciplines”. The journal publishes the most relevant research articles in the areas of Ecclesiastical Sciences and Church history.

Read the Philippiniana Sacra here:

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Titled “Ang Galak ng Ebanghelyo: Evangelii Gaudium at Iba Pang Mahahalagang Akda ni Papa Francisco na Isinalin sa Wikang Filipino,” the volume contains all of the most important texts of the Pope’s pontificate thus far, from his first encyclical Lumen Fidei to his latest Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi.

In a brief message, His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, O.P., D.D. said that the translation of Church documents into the local languages is important for two reasons. “Una, ang pagsasa-Filipino ay pagkilala sa presensya ng diwa ng Ebanghelyo sa sarili nating wika at katutubo kultura, gamit ang sarili nating mga sagisag at pamamaraan” (First, translating them into Filipino is a recognition of the presence of the spirit of the Gospel in our own language and native culture, using our own symbols and ways of expression). “Ikalawa, ang pagsasa-Filipino ay mainam na paraan upang mas maipaabot sa mga kababayan natin ang Ebanghelyo. Mas malalim at taimtim na tumitimo ang mensaheng naipahayag sa sariling wika. Mas buhay at mas matibay ang kagat, antig, at talab nito sa mambabasa o tagapakinig” (Second, translating them into Filipino is an effective way to bring the Gospel closer to our fellow Filipinos. A message expressed in one’s own language is more profound. It is more alive, has a stronger bite, and more appealing to the reader or the listener).

CBCP President and Bishop of Kalookan Pablo Virgilio David expressed his hope that the translations would help bring Filipino readers closer to the thought, spirituality, and reflection of Pope Francis or “Lolo Kiko” as we fondly call him. He also said that “Ang pagbasa sa mga ito ay para na ring pakikinig natin sa kanya sa ating sariling wika” (Reading these [translations] is like listening to him [speak] in our own language).”

Meanwhile, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown thanked Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. “for this noteworthy effort of making available the magisterium of Pope Francis in the Filipino language, allowing more Filipinos to have access to the Pope’s profound insights on the life and ministry of the Church today and in the future.”

The volume is a contribution of the publisher to the celebration of the fifth centenary of the coming of Christianity to the Philippines and it also coincides with the seventh anniversary of Ocampo’s translation of Laudato Si’, the first encyclical published in the local language with permission from the Vatican Press.

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In his article “Catholic Liturgical Teleparticipation before and during the Pandemic, and Questions for the New Normal,” Ocampo analyzes the Church’s use of online liturgies during the pandemic and shows its positive and negative effects on the faithful, and how the Church can use online participation in her liturgies moving forward. The work also features a survey of the historical development of remote participation in the liturgy from the perspective of the Catholic Church.

Meanwhile, Salles discusses “The Communicative Role of Camillian Chaplains in their Pastoral Ministry during the COVID-19 Pandemic” by presenting four extensive interviews of priest-chaplains from the Ministers of the Infirm.

The interviews yielded insightful information on how the chaplains creatively ministered to the sick during the pandemic as liturgists, listeners, counselors, comforters, and accompanists. Despite the limitations imposed by the health protocols, the chaplains continued their pastoral care of the sick and also of the hospital personnel and the patients’ families.

The book also features other experiences and reflections in the Asian context about how the pandemic challenged the old ways of Church communication and forced her, as it were, to think and implement new ways and means of reaching the faithful even if they were away. Communication is the overarching theme of the book that explores the pastoral and evangelizing actions of the Church to take care of her flock, promote ecclesial communion, nourish the people’s faith, and make sense of human suffering.

“Church Communication in the New Normal: Perspectives from Asia and Beyond” was edited by Fr. Anthony Le Duc, SVD, PhD, Executive Director of the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication.

Download the book here: https://asianresearchcenter.org/blog/arc-books/new-book-church-communication-in-the-new-normal-perspectives-from-asia-and-beyond.

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Bringing the Domestic Church on the table

Published by the Liturgical Press in January 2021, Easter Mealtime Prayers for the Family is a simple prayer resource that encapsulates the “Domestic Church” with a means for families to cherish together the living faith celebrated throughout the Easter season. The prayer book is also a reminder to its readers to observe and to reflect during this season, putting an emphasis to the importance of Easter season since it comprises the most important weeks of the liturgical year.

Ocampo is a faculty member of the Institute of Religion. He is also serving as the Executive Assistant of the Office of the Vice-Rector for Religious Affairs

Honoring excellence in the faith-based publishing, the Catholic Media Association, established in 1911, acknowledges the works of people in the Catholic media and showcases their works in the Awards issue of The Catholic Journalist.

Visit the CMA for the list of winners. 

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In his presentation, Ocampo highlighted the importance of connecting charism, or using the gifts received from the Lord, with context, or the specific needs and concerns of the people being served. “We are called to evangelize by who we are, and we must do it in a way that is suited to where we are,” Ocampo told fellow academics.

Ocampo presented the framework behind the signature pedagogy utilized by the Institute of Religion in delivering theology classes to tertiary students of UST: “Dominican-Thomistic Education by Design (DoT-ED).”

The framework, which was inspired by the Salamanca Process, follows these steps: 1. Study; 2. Research; 3. Analysis; and 4. Observe. This framework, according to Ocampo, closely reflects the Scholastic method of disputatio exemplified by Saint Thomas Aquinas himself in Summa Theologiae. Ocampo argued that the disputatio, although sometimes misjudged as dated and medieval, “is actually very compatible with more recent models such as the systems approach and inquiry-based learning, and is very much constructivist and research-based, allowing for a true synthesis of faith and reason after a necessary struggle with confusion, contention, and conflict.”

Ocampo further argues that the method of Aquinas actually resonates with 21st-century skills, particularly its 4 Cs: critical thinking; communication; collaboration; and creativity.

In closing, Ocampo highlighted the fractal synergy that can be translated across the levels of Dominican-Thomistic education: course, co-curricular and University activities, program, and University. According to Ocampo, if this were to be followed, “the charism of the Order becomes not only an implicit part of the ‘hidden curriculum’ but rightly reclaims its position at the very core, not only of the curriculum, but of the entire life of the University.”

#ThomasianFormation

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The three-day conference aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the diversity of forms that holiness takes, and to inspire them to genuinely reflect and actively respond to the universal call to holiness. University of the Immaculate Conception President Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, R.V.M., gave the welcome remarks, while ACUP President Rev. Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, C.M., who is also president of Adamson University, delivered a message.

The keynote address on “The Role of Catholic Universities in the Mission towards Evangelization: A Response to Gaudete et Exsultate” was given by Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Committee on Catechesis and Catholic Education Chair Most. Rev. Roberto C. Mallari, D.D., while research studies on Gaudete et Exsultate and related works on Holiness were discussed by Adamson University Center for Research and Development Executive Director Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor. Other speakers included Office for the Promotion of New Evangelization Director Rev. Fr. Jason Laguerta, who discussed “Inspiring the Youth to the Call to Holiness;” Kerygma magazine Editor-in-Chief Ms. Rissa Kawpeng, who tackled “Searching for Meaning and Purpose to Effect Transformation;” and Bantay Bata 163 Program Director and broadcast journalist Ms. Jing Castañeda, who talked about “Making a Difference through Dynamic Collaboration and Committed Partnership.”

There were also panel discussions on the Response of Catholic Universities to the Call to Holiness “The Mission of Education,” with discussants Notre Dame of Marbel University Campus Ministry Director Bro. Allan de Castro, F.M.S., Saint Louis University Community Extension and Outreach Programs Office Director Dr. Joselito Gutierrez, and Holy Angel University Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Alma Espartinez, and “The Mission of Evangelization,” with discussants Xavier University National Service Training Program Unit Director Ms. Dennise Edwina Gonzales, Holy Name University Vice President for Academic Affairs Bro. Carl Milos Bulilan, S.V.D., and University of Santo Tomas Ecclesiastical Faculties Academic Collaborations Officer Mr. Leo-Martin Angelo Ocampo.

“The Youth’s Response to the Call to Holiness” was also tackled by St. Paul University Dumaguete Continuing Education Institute Manager Ms. Mary Francis V. Laquinon, University of San Agustin Vice President for Administration and Finance Rev. Fr. Arnel A. Dizon, O.S.A., and Adamson University Student Leader Mr. Nicole Jean Mercado. There were also a workshop on “How Catholic Universities Make the Mission Possible” divided into teaching, research, community engagement, and youth categories, and a UIC-facilitated community engagement with residents of a rehabilitation center.

A general meeting of leaders of ACUP member institutions was also held to elect the officers for 2019-2021. Elected were: Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, C.I.C.M., President of Saint Louis University as ACUP President; , Rector of the University of Santo Tomas, as ACUP Vice President; Sr. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, R.V.M., President of the University of the Immaculate Conception as ACUP Corporate Secretary; Bro. Raymundo B. Suplido, F.S.C., President of De La Salle University, as ACUP Treasurer, and Assoc. Prof. Giovanna V. Fontanilla, Ph.D., A.P.R., Director of the UST , as ACUP Secretary General.

The Conference ended with the presentation of workshop outputs and awarding ceremonies. Established in 1973, ACUP is an organization composed of institutions of higher learning, and its activities include the promotion and enhancement of the Christian identity of its member institutions as leading centers of teaching, research and service. Its annual conferences, particularly those held from 2013 up to the present, have themes that are anchored on papal encyclicals and other similar documents.

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