ON MAY 1, IT'LL BE BLESSED JOHN PAUL II: POPE'S LEGACY- CHANGING THE WORLD
[PHOTO: 'POPEMOBILE' Parked at Sta. Perpetua Parish Church, Quezon City, Thursday, April 28, 2011 is the 'Popemobile' used by the late Pope John Paul II in his 1995 visit to the Philippines. (Photo by MICHAEL VARCAS)]
MANILA, APRIL 29, 2011 (BULLETIN) By DR. BERNARDO M. VILLEGAS - Starting May 1, 2011, the late Pope John Paul II will be referred to in the Catholic Church as Blessed John Paul II. Millions are expected to attend the beatification ceremonies in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
There will be surely thousands of Filipinos who will be there in St. Peter's Square. Since close to 70 percent of Filipinos today are under 30 years of age, the vast majority of Filipinos grew up under his pontificate that lasted for 26 years. This generation is the direct beneficiary of unerring doctrinal guidance that he gave, not only to the members of the Catholic Church, but to all men and women of goodwill about how to live a moral life and seek happiness here on earth and in the life hereafter. His legacy to the present generation and all the generations till the end of the world is found in his voluminous writings.
One of his most important legacies in the field of morals is found in his writings on the Theology of the Body. These volumes compile the addresses he gave at 129 Wednesday general audiences from 1979 to 1984. Complementing the Theology of the Body was a book entitled Love and Responsibility that he wrote before he became the Supreme Pontiff. Together these two publications are a remarkably powerful defense of family life and sexual morality.
Filipinos are fortunate that a retired bishop, Bishop Jose Sorra, formerly of the diocese of Legazpi and CBCP Episcopal Chairman of the Commission on youth has written a book that makes the rich doctrine found in these books of John Paul II more accessible and understandable to Filipino parents, teachers, and youth. Entitled "Crumbs III: From the Beginning," the book by Bishop Sorra presents in a more positive and ennobling light the realities of human sexuality, conjugal love, marriage, and the family. In his foreword to the book, His Excellency, Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle of Imus, Cavite, summarizes the value of Bishop Sorra: "We thank Bishop Ping for the heroic attempt to present in simple and accessible language the profound thought of Pope John Paul II contained in his books The Theology of the Body and Love and Responsibility. Gauging by the reception and constant reference to these two monumental works of the late Pope, we can even now consider them classics in the area of love, sexuality, marriage, family, and life. Bishop Ping also adds new flavor to the writings of the Pope by bringing them into dialogue with contemporary concerns faced by the Church in the Philippines."
Bishop Tagle is quick to point out that Bishop Sorra's book will do much to clear up the confusion that has resulted from the controversies surrounding the infamous RH Bill. As he wrote in the Foreword, "It is unfortunate that the present climate of discussion on love, sexuality, marriage and family, and life, set in the context of poverty alleviation and the protection of women and children, has led to caricatures of various positions, including those of the Church. There is much 'good flavor' that is unnoticed when parody prevails and leads to ridicule. This book is a valuable contribution from a pastor coming from a wide range of experience and study. When read with serenity and earnest search for truth, Bishop Ping's crumbs taste delightful. We cannot deny that ever so often, the crumbs are hard to swallow and leave a bad taste on the mouth. But bitter melon and bitter chocolates are supposed to be good for one's health!"
Crumbs III is a must for parents and teachers who want to cooperate with one another in carrying out their most important responsibility of imparting a truly moral education on human sexuality to Filipino adolescents. Bishop Sorra distills the super-abundant doctrine contained in John Paul II's writings and then brings in the findings of the secular sciences about the great harm that can be done to society if the moral guidelines imprinted in nature by the Creator are violated. The book is published by Crumbs Fiat Charitable Trust Fund, Inc. Those interested in purchasing a copy may get in touch with Med V. Villanueva (0917-521-3883) or Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Salando (0922-821-6655). For comments, my e-mail address is bvillegas@uap.edu.ph.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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