May they be one!

On Tuesday, September 30, in the Manila Cathedral, there was a beautiful Ecumenical Prayer Meeting. It was the launching of the Bible Campaign to unite the Philippines through the living Word of God, by placing a Bible in every home.

It was Our Lord himself who prayed that there would be one flock and one shepherd. And John Paul II, throughout the last ten years of his life, was trying constantly to break down the walls between people, to build bridges between men and women of all religions.

At Assisi he embraced the Buddhist Monk, the Muslim Imam, the Protestant Pastor; and the best speaker of the day in that assembly was the Jewish Rabbi who said: “John Paul, you are the only one who could do this. . . .and we are the only ones who can help you do it!”

In that Ecumenical Prayer Meeting in the Cathedral, the Bible was enthroned and there was a reading of Scripture Passages and brief reflections by leaders of many different sects:

Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, Auxiliary Bishop of Manila, presided.

Psalm 100 was read by Bishop Nathanael P. Lazaro, chairman of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines.

A passage from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians was read by Father Rex Reyes, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of the Philippines.

Prime Bishop Ignacio C. Soliba, Episcopal Church of the Philippines, reflected on the Gospel of Saint Matthew.

And the Responsorial Prayer was led by Joy Campilan, of the Philippine Bible Society.

This was followed by a Concelebrated mass. The main celebrant and homilist was Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams, Papal Nuncio to the Philippines. The readers were Pastor Edgar Ebojo and Mrs. Nora G. Lucero of the Philippine Bible Society. Brief exhortations on “May They Be One” were delivered by Bishop Arturo Bastes and by Bishop Cesar Punzalan.

A special theme song on “May They Be One” was composed for this campaign by father Carlo Magno Marcelo.

At the dinner given for the participants after the Prayer Meeting and the Mass, the master of ceremonies was Ambassador Tita de Villa.

Many Bibles were offered distribution to the poor.

The Bible is filled with the wisdom of God. By placing a Bible in every home, it is hoped that we will not only unite all our Filipinos in mind and in heart, but that the Philippines will be transformed by the beautiful values of God.

What will you do for your country?

Today, Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Gawad Kalinga will hold its annual 6.K.1 World Expo, from 5:30 in the morning until 8 in the evening. Seventy thousand members are expected to attend.

At this Expo Gawad Kalinga will launch its Citizens Act 20/20. They will ask each one: “What do you promise to do for your country?” The members will write this out, and sign it as a commitment. The accent will be on help for the poor, for the destitute, for the homeless, for those in need.

This Expo does many excellent things at once, facing the real problems of out country. It is a strong movement for national unity, a practical effort to alleviate the poverty of 70% of our people, and above all - an awakening in every heart of the main value that Our Lord came down to teach: give. . . . do not take; live for others, and not for yourself.

The schedule includes: “Running for my country” at 5:30 a.m., sponsored by Adidas; a showcase of best practices for unity, and for helping those in need, at 9 a.m.; a children’s party at 2 p.m., sponsored by Goldilocks; a parade of Gawad Kalinga partners at 3:30 p.m., and at 6 in the evening the GK 1 World Concert on stage, featuring top flight performers.

In the parade you will see marchers from Taguig city, the National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Teachers, Couples for Christ, Ateneo, La Salle, UP, UST, ANCOP USA - ANCOP stands for “Answer the Cry of the Poor” - Canada, England, Singapore, Indonesia, Smart, Globe, Selecta, Procter and Gamble, Uniliver, Philips, and Philamlife.

The major sponsors are Globe and the City of Taguig. The whole day will be seen and heard, live, on www.gk1world.net. For further information please e-mail: [email protected]

Most of our mass media highlight the miseries of this country. But the hardships have inspired so many to unite, and to help each other! All the virtues of the Filipino come to the surface when he is suffering. In hardship, the Filipino does not weep, or give up. He smiles, and laughs, and attacks the problems. We are best in hardship the way a motor runs best in oil.

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There is a daily texting service called: “One Minute With God.”

You can reach it on Globe by texting: “Reuter@2978”

You can reach it on Smart by texting: “Reuter@326”