Knights in action

Media

Part of The Cross

Title: Knights in action
Language: English
Year: 1972
Rights
Fulltext: Knights In Action Manila KCCS LAUDS FINANCE SECRETARY “For a job well done" is precise ly the message of Bro. Oscar Ledes ma, president of the KC Commu nity Services, Inc., on behalf of the Board of Directors, in his letter to Hon. Cesar Virata, Secretary of Finance, congratulating the lat ter for his uncompromising stand against graft and corruption. The following are excerpts of Bro. Le desma’s letter: "The Knights of Columbus Com munity Services Board of Directors have noted with much elation and appreciation your continued cam paign to weed out undesirables from the Department of Finance. The newspapers have carried time and again articles about immoral and unjust personnel of your de partment who have been separated by you from the government ser vice for their betrayal of the trust which the Filipino people had re posed in them. "We hasten to write you in or der to assure you that we are be hind your crusade for upright pub lic service and good and clean gov ernment, to strengthen you in seem ingly moments of despair and frus tration, and to assure you that our services along this crusade are at your beck and call.” Dumaguete City GREEN REVOLUTION PROJECT The Dumaguete Council No. 3938 awarded a resolution to Bro. Brigido Telmo in recognition of his leader ship in promoting the Green Revo lution (Operation Gulay) KC project in Negros Oriental. The award cere mony was held during the "outdoor" regular meeting of the members of the Council at the backyard garden of the recipient. Bro. Telmo has a 700 square meter lot planted to vari ous kinds of vegetables which yields more than enough for home consump tion and for neighbors. The excess of Bro. Telmo’s harvest is sold in the market by his wife. The out door meeting was made livelier by a musical extravaganza and the na tive delicacies made of bananas, ba linghoy, camote, peanuts and pineap ples (all from the garden) served by the hosts (Mr. and Mrs. Telmo). Special Feature: (Letter of Rev. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., General of the Society of Jesus) To The Whole Society On Increasing Our Fidelity to the Person of the Holy Father. Dear Fathers and Brothers, The Peace of Christ! When, during the Synod, I spoke on the question of justice in the world, I said that the public image of the Holy Father has suffered great damage. In saying this, I felt deeply that some of us are partly responsible for this damage. When I reflect on the fact that the true image of the Holy Father needs to be reestablished, a very personal question im mediately comes to my mind—a question in con science: W’hat can I and what can the Society do about this situation? The first thing we have to do is to become aware of our responsibility and of our specific mission in this regard. I refer to the spirit of fidelity to the person of the Holy Father which ought to be firmly ingrained in our mentality. Our times are characterized on the one hand by a greater freedom of ideas, of criticism, and of selfexpression and on the other by a great confusion and disorientation on key points, such as the so-called “demythologization of authority". As a result, the loyalty towards the Holy Father, or at least the way of living it, of some members of the Society has been affected. Defense of Authority Some say that loyalty to the Holy Father implies sincere criticism, a sincerity that includes the public expression of ideas and views that are contrary to those expressed by him. We should in time of prayer put this question to ourselves: are we in our desire to come to the assistance of the Holy Father misled rather into a personal criticism which is conformed to the current popular taste. Criticism of authority,, whether in private conversations or in public, is to day an easy way of attracting attention, while the defense of authority is unpopular and requires cour age. A group of writers recently admitted to me that this was so. It is true that today both the exercise and the ac ceptance of authority are seen in a different light. It is also true, however, that—in order to avoid what today is considered an outdated attitude of exces sively mechanical submission to orders now felt to have been too .autocratic—an opposite extreme is often encountered, characterized by criticism,- con testation, and a priori resistance to any authority whatever. The difficulty thus consists in maintaining the true Ignatian attitude towards authority, which, while it requires obedience, also recognizes and even recommends representation and dialogue and is based on mutual sincerity and respect. In the society, this has to be a supernatural attitude which is informed by the “law of charity". Hence, especially in the case of the Holy Father, following our centuries-long tradition and inspired by the desire to do our apostolic work effectively, we should proceed with that love and respect which we owe to the Vicar of Christ. It is only natural that our tendency should be to share his preoccupations, ac cept his directives, and collaborate in carrying them out; and I am pleased to see that this is in fact the attitude of most Jesuits. Evangelical Humility This does not exclude the possibility of someone Page 2 May-June, 1972 Champion Declaimer. — Roy Layumas, eight-year-old national cham pion declaimer receives a Certificate of Appreciation from GK Osmundo Gaviola. The declamation contest was a project of the K of C, Council No. 4320. Also shown in the picture (I to r) are GK Feliciano Gauzon and GK Sofronio C. Carmona. Angeles City “OPERATION TULONGAN” The members of the K of C, Holy Sepulcher Council No. 4278 rendered medieal and dental services to the re sidents of barrio Sampalungan and Lourdes Sur, this city, recently. The Council’s medical and dental services project is a continuation of its "Op eration Tulongan” series — barrioto-barrio assistance program. Some 500 indigent families were benefited in the ninth series of “Operation Tu longan.” The medical team that went to Sampalungan were Drs. P. Malonzo, N. Tayag, R. Franco, C. Narciso, G. Jose, E. Roxas, F. Tanhueco, B. Dayrit, P. Baula and GK B. Sazon. In barrio Lourdes Sur, the team was composed of Drs. R. Yosuico, R. Fran co, C. Narciso, B. Manalac, Bros. T. Meneses, A. Jose, E. Roxas, P. Lan sang, PGK E. Torres, B. Dayrit, H. Angeles, F. Gonzales, PGK L. Gomez and GK B. Sazon. Oroquieta City ROLLING CLINIC A rolling health clinic has been put up by the members of Oroquieta Coun cil No. 3816 to serve the indigent people of far-flung barrios. The rolling clinic is managed by a medi cal team under the leadership of Dr. Emerico L. Conol. Grand Knight George L. Siton of this Council an nounced that the rolling health cli nic will be a continuing project of the Council. A carton of medicines was received recently from Rev. Francisco G. Tantoco, Jr., KC Na tional Secretary. The medicines were paid out of Council funds for free distribution to indigents, GK Siton said. finding it difficult to accept some particular point or directive and feeling that, precisely in a spirit of true service, it is his duty to express disagreement. In such a case, he should consider the question before God and seek proper advice, so that he may determine whether a "respectful silence” might not actually be the greater service, and at any rate also avoid turning an unconsidered manifestation of dissent into a cause of scandal and confusion for others. It would be good to Keep in mind the fact that constant and disres pectful criticism carries with it, as a “side effect”, the destruction of authority itself—a most harmful and disruptive effect for the work of the Church. The use of pressure through public opinion and per sonal criticism is not an appropriate means to make known one’s ideas or opinions to the Holy Father. If anyone thinks he has the duty to express doubts or reservations on a certain matter, there always are ways and means within the Society to bring his opin ion to the attention of the person responsible, and this includes the Holy Father, in an appropriate and effective manner. In the past few years I have had various personal experiences, which I can well understand that others cannot have, and they bear out this affirmation: the openness, charity, and profound Evangelical humil ity of Pope Paul VI are such, that they make all the more inopportune, unjust, and intolerable the dis respectful way of proceeding of Borne groups, includ ing Catholics, in the world of today. For these reasons I would like us to ask ourselves sincerely before God .and in the depth of our con science : Where do I stand in- thia most delicate is sue? Am I aware, in my way of acting, of^ anything that could have injured or diminished the authority of the Holy Father? What can I do to collaborate with him and what contribution can I make to have the person of the Holy Father and hir. authority properly esteemed and accepted? If I have given in to destructive criticism, could this not be a sign of a deeper underlying fundamental attitude regarding the Church and the faith itself? See with Ignatian Eyes It is not a question of simplistic adulation; I am urging, rather, a stance that is sincere, apostolic, and filial, which would enable us to see with Igna tian eyes what our way of acting in this matter ought to be. This will not stand in the way of true theolo gical and scientific investigation, nor will it make our pastoral work more difficult; on the contrary, it will draw upon us abundant blessings from God. I wish that those especially who direct the various means of communication make an effort to apply all the "Igna tian intelligence” possible to come up with the means best suited to foster that love and respect for the person of the Holy Father that befits the Vicar of Christ. These are my feelings, and I express them sincerely and without hesitation. These are the sentiments that I wish all Jesuits to have. The reason why I wanted to express them is that our love and fidelity towards the Vicar of Christ are basic to our spirituality and to the true identity of the Society. I commend myself to your prayers. Devotedly yours in Christ, (Sgd.) Pedro Arrupe, S.J. General of the Society of Jesus Rome, January 25, 1972 May-June, 1972 Page 3 Knights In Action (Continued) Manila BABY HEALTH CONTEST A baby health contest was conduct ed recently by the Knights of Colum bus, Most Holy Trinity Council No. 5774, Balic-Balic, this city. The pro ject was spearheaded by GK Ramon A. Elloso, Sr., SK Dominador S. Villena, SK Mauro A. Diaz, SK Deomedes R. Lacuna Sr. and SK Raymundo D. Reyes. The winners for Group A were Baby de Guzman, 1st place; Ba by Angeles, 2nd place; Baby Maria San Juan, 3rd place; Group B—Gary Resuta, 1st place; Carlos Estiandian, 2nd place; Andrew Opiso, 3rd place; Group C—Rossaida Razon, 1st place; Jo Ann Davantes, 2nd place; Nilo Bobier, 3rd place. The judges were Dr. Fe Halili-Elloso and Mrs. Paliniery of the Bureau of Health. Manila ANNUAL DD CONVENTION The annual district convention of District No. 42 was held last Februa ry 19-20, 1972 at the Manila Coun cil Clubhouse in Intramuros. On the first day, the objectives of the con vention were explained by District Deputy Quirico P. Evangelista and followed by workshops on the func tions, activities, problems and solu tions regarding the following sub jects: Administrative Officers, Fis cal Officers, Ceremonial Officers, and Membership Directors. The K of C Anti-Graft and Corruption campaign was properly discussed by DD Evan gelista. SK Ramon D. Bagatsing, Ma yor of the City of Manila, delivered a speech during the closing ceremo nies. Malabon, Rizal RENEWAL OF OBLIGATIONS Andres Bonifacio General Assem bly hosted the annual renewal of obligations ceremony for seven 4th degree assemblies in the greater Ma nila area on January 16, 1972 at the Araneta University. Participants were the P. Burgos Gen. Assembly of Manila, P. Gomez Gen. Assembly of Quezon City, P. Dandan Gen. As sembly of Paranaque, St. Peter & St. Paul Gen. Assembly of Makati, P. Zamora Gen. Assembly of Mandaluyong, Emilio Aguinaldo Gen. Assem bly of Bulacan, and the local gene ral assembly of Malabon. Bishop Hernando Y. Antiporda of Manila celebrated Mass for the gathering. Master of the 4th Degree, H. B. Re yes, directed the ceremony, with the Page 4 Unveiling Ceremony. — Photo shows Bishop Vicente Keyes of Cabanatuan City unveiling the portrait of the late Archbishop Gabriel Reyes during the symposium sponsored by the Archbishop Reyes General Assembly of the Fourth Degree., Cabanatuan City, last February 13. The honor guards were S.K. Norberto Diego and S.K. Arsenio de la Paz. Also shown in the picture are Faithful Navigator Cesar A. Cajucom and Delegate Romeo T. Capulong. assistance of Faithful Navigator Eufrosino Pili of P. Burgos Gen. As sembly. Guest speaker was Senator Gerardo M. Roxas. The breakfast was donated by Rufina Patis, represented by Faithful Navigator Arnedo S. Lu cas of A. Bonifacio Gen. Assembly. San Carlos City BOY DECLAIMER Roy Layumas, 8, National Cham pion declaimer was awarded a’Cer tificate of Appreciation by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 4320 of San Carlos City. The award was presented by Grand Knight OSMUNDO GAVIO LA in a program held at the Coco Grove Hotel last March 5, 1972. The awardee delivered his win ning piece entitled "Kamatayan Ko’y Pagbabago Mo" before the assembled members of the K of C and other guests. The awardee is the son of for mer Vice-Mayor Bro. Rodolfo La yumas and Mrs. Corazon A. La yumas. Past Grand Knight Sofronio C. Carmona who is at present city Mayor of San Carlos, delivered an inspirational talk. Past Grand Knight Feliciano Gauzon made the closing remarks. Aid For Typhoon Victims. — Thru^ the cooperation of other neighboring councils, the Giants Club and the K of C, Council No. 4095 of Palo, Ley te had their share of distributing clothes, rice, salt and other foodstuffs to the typhoon victims in the barrios of Mahaplag, Leyte last February. May-June, 1972 Special Report — “Operation Abong-Abong” The Knights of Columbus, Sta. Isabel Council No. 5097, Basilan City, launched a civic project called “OPERATION ABONG-ABONG” in Maluso, Basilan City last October 31, 1971. In this project, free medical, dental, legal and agri cultural services were conducted among the residents in that community. The services included immuniza tion, consultation, medical attention, dental extraction and prophylaxis plus the giving of medicines, seeds and fertilizers. There were approximately 200 indigent residents that were the happy recipients of these ser vices. One laudable service extended ‘gratis et amore’ was an on the spot surgery performed by the project leader, Dr. Ricardo C. Fulgencio, Grand Knight of the Sta. Isabel Council. The Grand Knight operated on an in digent Moslem resident who was suffering from a bo thersome tumor (lipoma; in his back for the past 15 years. When the tumor was removed it had the size of a baseball. Dr. Fulgencio is a fellow of both the Philippine College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons. Aside from heading the KCs, he is at the same time the president of the Diocesan Sec retariat of the Cursillos in Basilan City. The medical team led by Dr. Fulgencio included Dr. Flaviano Izon, Nurses Aharaya Agga and Eng Boni facio and some student midwives, all from the JS Alano Memorial Hospital, Basilan City. The dental team was headed by Bro. Knight Dr. To mas C. Obias and assisted by some student midwives from the same hospital. City Agriculturist Eric Lemoncito, although not a member of the local knights, went out of his way to distribute seeds and fertilizers besides giving pointers on how to increase production on vegetables and other foodstuffs. Deputy Grand Knight Antonio Alano, a Lawyer-CPA, managed the legal team. It is noteworthy that this project earned apprecia tion in Basilan City. Bishop Jose Ma. Querexeta, Pre late of this city, lauded the benevolent gesture of the Basilan KCs and those who assisted them. In a talk before some civic and religious leaders of Basilan City and a group of residents of Abong-abong, Bishop Querexeta said that "what these dedicated men and women have done by way of helping the barrio people in Abong-abong, have their names written in the Book of Life and will be long remembered by those whom they have helped, for their selfless dedication and matchless efforts to alleviate the plight of the poor and the needy through projects like this.” "We need more men and women like the Knights of Columbus and their friends here in Basilan who will go out of their way to share in some measure a little of what they have and a little of what they know so that the lot of those living in the far-flung areas in Basilan, especially the poor, will somehow be improved,” Bishop Querexeta declared. A total of 44 men and women participated in the project—21 KCs, 4 St. Paul Sisters, 1 general surgeon, 1 resident physician, 1 dental surgeon, 2 nurses, 6 stu dent midwives, 3 wives of KC members, 4 laywomen and 2 helpers. The distinguished head of the Prelate of Basilan graced the occasion with his presence. GK Fulgencio said that many of the local KCs have expressed their desire to initiate more projects like “OPERATION ABONG-ABONG". —BRO. ARTURO S. VALDEZ, Sta. Isabel Council No. 5097, Isabela, Basilan City Outstanding Citizens. — Brother Knights shown above with Gov. Aguedo Agbayani of Pangasinan were chosen "Outstanding Citizens" of Lingayen, recently. ,From left are: Bro'. Guillermo M. Santos, Jr. (Municipal Em ployee of the Year), GK Virgilio P. Ramoet Bro. Marcelo R. Arenas (Pig . Raiser of the Year), Gov. Agbayani, Bro. Asterio R. Ramos (Dentist of the Year), Bro. Geronimo F. Reyes (P.T.A. President of the Year), Bro. Ge ronimo A. Maclang (Poultry Raiser of the Year). May-June, 1972 National Headquarters District Deputies Annual Meets Set The annual conferences of District Deputies have been set for May 20-21 in Cebu City and May 27-28 in Ma nila. The meeting in the south will be for the District Deputies of the Visayas and Mindanao. The Manila conference will gather District De puties of Luzon. Call for Annual Reports Made Rev. George J. Willmann, S.J., Philippine Deputy, issued a reminder to all the Councils for the submis sion of the following annual reports: 1. Activities report for the semes ter January to June, 1972 2. Trustees’ audit report for the same period. Page 5 Book on P. Burgos Launched A book-launching on April 26, 1972 was held jointly by the Ateneo University Press and the Knights of Columbus of the Philippines (KCRP) to introduce the most compre hensive work on the life of Fr. Jose Burgos to date. The book, "Fr. Jose Burgos— Priest and Nationalist” by Fr; John N. Schumacher, S.J. was published by the Ateneo University Press for the fraternity. The publication was undertaken as part of the centennial celebration of the death of Fr. Bur gos together with the two other priest-heroes, Frs. Gomez and Zamo ra. Rev. George J. Willmann, SJ., Philippine Deputy, said that the book was inspired by a challenge made by Jesuit historian Fr. Horacio de la Costa, S.J. during a K of C program. He said the Knights were proud and happy to contribute the book to the country’s nationalist literature. New Members )Y SCOUTS OF THE PHIUPP Cub and Boy Scouts Manuals. — The K of C, Victorias Council No. 5215, donated recently a set of 36 volumes of cub and boy scout manuals to the Victorias District, Boy Scouts of the Philippines. Shown above (I to r) are: Quintin Paez, Principal and Scoutmaster; Miss Ana Lorilla, Elem. School Supervisor and B.S. Executive; Renato Fermin, B.S. District Chair man; SK Teofilo R. Ancheta, SK of KCVC 5215; two unidentified lady B.S. Coordinators; and SK Cesar M. Singayan, Deputy Grand Knight of KCVC 5215. COUNCIL NO. 6059 Nichols Air Base, Pasay City ALCALA, FRANCISCO M ALOflA, GREGORIO P JR AQUINO, DOMINADOR M JR BADIOLA, FELICISIMO C BALUYOT, ELISEO D CANITA, ALFREDO A CASTRO, FELIX C CHUIDIAN, CONRADO C JR CRUZ, DIONISIO A DAGALA, RUPERTO D DEMAGANTE, JACINTO R DATO-ON, FLORENTINO P GALARPE, FRANCISO S GAPAY, LEONCIO G GULOY, JOFRE R IGLESIAS, JOAQUIN B LAPENA, PERONIO M MAGSAKAY, FELICIANO E JR OLIVERIO, CICERON L PICCIO, VICENTE M JR RADANA, TELESFORO C RANCUDO, JOSE L SALCEDO, EMMANUEL L VILLANUEVA, ANTONIO G VILLANUEVA, REGINO R VILLARIN, ANTERO C VILLORIA, OLEGARIO S Page 6 Baby Health Contest. — Brother Knights of the Most Holy Trinity Coun cil No. 5775, Balic-Balic, Manila, pose with the parents and participants in the baby health contest sponsored by the Council recently. May-June, 1972