Bishop Reyes Speaks As Well

In what appears to be a re-statement of what he said after the dialogue, Bishop Reyes gives update on CFC name usage:

MANILA, May 6, 2008—CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Laity Chairman and Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes said the Couples for Christ – Foundation for Family and Life may use the name Couples for Christ (CFC) with the addition of Foundation for Family and Life in the Philippines, provided the bishop of the diocese will permit them.

In an interview immediately after the newly-launched Catholic Media Network-CBCPNews sponsored public affairs program The Forum Tuesday morning, Bishop Reyes said “in the dioceses in the Philippines there can be two groups of the CFC provided again the bishop of the place will permit.”

He added “if the bishop of the place wants only one then the bishop has to be followed.”

He further said “Abroad Couples for Christ – Foundation for Family and Life may not use CFC in their names.”

As far as the CFC/Gawad Kalinga under the leadership of Bro. Joe Tale will just go on with Gawad Kalinga provided they make those corrections that they should not over-emphasize social work at the expense of the ongoing evangelization, catechesis, and formation of the family.

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

He further said they already did in one of the national broadsheets however it was not on the first section.

“I hope there will be peace. After all the field for apostolate is so wide, let both groups retain the name CFC and each goes his way to serve Christ and co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters in Christ,” the prelate said.

Asked if the CBCP Commission on the Laity will do periodic evaluations into the activities of the Couples for Christ, Bishop Reyes said “only the Pontifical Council for the Laity has authority to supervise but if they will delegate us, we can.” However, the prelate added ‘in the diocese, the bishop has the authority over them and can monitor them.” (Melo M. Acuña)

Seems to me that this was already made clear back in August of last year, when Bishop Reyes stated that:

“The Couples for Christ for Family and Life led by Bro. Frank Padilla is now recognized as a diocesan private association of the faithful in the Diocese of Antipolo,” Bishop Reyes said. He added the group may go into other dioceses with the permission of the bishop of the place."

But Frank and co. were trying to get around that little issue by going straight to the president of the CBCP. Let me remind you all about their gleeful war-cry.

Also, can I just ask, what is with the nitpicking?

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

He further said they already did in one of the national broadsheets however it was not on the first section."

When you said kneel, dear Bishop, did you mean touch our heads to the ground?

One last thing.

“They should not receive or stop receiving funds from pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives and they should make a public apology on these mistakes they have done in the newspapers,” Bishop Reyes said.

Just to remind him, in case they forgot, that was done under Frank's watch. He should apologize as well. Maybe a full page ad will do just fine.


While he's at it, Bishop Reyes should ask Caritas to apologize too.




Let me just say, I am close to tears as I write this entry. It saddens me so deeply to have to involve another organization that, like CFC and GK, is only trying to help the poor and contribute to society the best way that they can. I am doing this against my conscience, but this hypocrisy has to stop. If Bishop Reyes will continue to be the mouthpiece of Frank Padilla, then he has to stand by his actions and words and go after all the catholic-based organizations who are receiving donations from "pharmaceutical companies that produce contraceptives."

I pray every night, for the day I can put this blog to rest. I am tired.

I'm tired of seeing the worst of human nature besmirch the good work of an organization that is sincerely just trying to do GOOD and spread the Lord's Message, through its work and its service to those Jesus considered His people.

How much longer do we have to keep dragging ourselves in the mud for one man's pride?

Frank, please, just stop it already, haven't you done enough? Take the experience you gained from leading CFC all these years, and move on. You will do well and we will all pray for you to be successful, this I can promise you.

Bishop Reyes, if you are hoping for peace as you say, I implore you to correct your friend who started this war in the first place.