For some time we have been asked to put in Misyon a section on questions which our readers would like raised. We are not too sure how appropriate or suitable this is, so please let us know if these questions have been of any help to you. We are calling this article To Search is To Findbecause we do not have the answers to every question – but the very asking of the question is the beginning of the answer.
SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
Is there not separation between Church and State in the Philippines? How come the Church in the Philippines seems to be interesting in State matters?
Answer: The bishops of the Philippines have spoken out on the 1995 mining laws, on the Visiting Forces Agreement, on the Cha-Cha, on gambling, on the death penalty and on general corruption in the government and on the environment. These questions are all in the domain of the government but they also are moral questions and the Church should speak out on them. But the Church should not interfere in party politics or involve itself in campaigning for elections. That is the job of ordinary Christians. The Church should try to enlighten Christians and then leave them do their job.
TWO COMMUNIONS IN A DAY
Can I receive communion twice in the same day?
Answer: Strictly speaking, no. but if you have a special reason like a wedding or a funeral, or some special family occasion an exception can made.
SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS PRIEST
What is the difference between a secular and religious priest?
Answer: A secular priest is under the bishop in a diocese and does not change from that diocese. The bishop is his spiritual father. The religious priest belongs to a spiritual family like the Jesuits, Dominicans, Franciscans, Recoletos, and the superior father figure. The member can be moved to wherever the order is working.
DEATH PENALTY
Why is the Church so strong about the death penalty?
Answer: The Church teaches that life is sacred from the womb to the tomb. If she was not strong about the death penalty, her voice against abortion would not be taken so seriously.
SUPPORTING PARENTS
I would like to become a missionary priest but that would mean leaving home and not being able to support my parents. Is there any way around?
Answer: No. Your obligation to support your parents comes first; nor should you become a priest in order to support your parents. One can only become a priest when you have already fulfilled your obligations to your family or you are sure that there are those who will fulfill them. But frank discussion should be had with other siblings so that one person is not left to look after the parents while the others just do their thing. Read Mark 17:11 where Jesus reminds us of our obligations to support our parents.
PRIEST DID NOT SAY MASS
How come the Church is taking the side of the Muslims in Mindanao? We Christians have been here for hundreds of years. We don’t want to be turned into an Islamic state. It seems we’re not getting the sympathy and support from our pastors that we should expect. One priest refused to say Mass for the soldiers.
Answer: The Church is not in favor of Mindanao becoming an Islamic state or even of it being taken over by the Muslims but it does stand for human rights for Muslims who are being harassed and oppressed by some Christian soldiers. It is precisely this treatment of the Muslim population which pushes them toward dreams of an Islamic state. The Ordinary Muslim-Filipino wants a peaceful life for the chance to practice his religion without being discriminated against.
Yes, I read of that priest who refused to say Mass for the soldiers in a military camp in Mindanao. The soldiers also have souls. In fact they need a priest's ministries more than anybody else. It seems wrong to refuse them. But in this case the soldiers were in the middle of military campaign. The district was filled with Muslim refugees who had lost their homes because of Christian soldiers. Bringing in the local priest to say Mass at that time would have sent the wrong message to everybody. It would be almost like blessing the atrocities done by the military at that time. The soldiers actually have their own chaplains especially salaried and detailed for that work. Inviting a local priest in seemed more of a military strategy than a religious action. The priest was right to refuse.
HIDDEN TABERNACLE
When you come in to our church you cannot see the Tabernacle. It’s hidden away in a little oratory at the side. I miss it. I think it makes the church less holy.
Answer: A discreet side chapel gives great reverence to the Blessed Sacrament but according to the law of the Church, the Tabernacle should not be hidden away. It should be in visual and special relationship to the altar so that people can see that the Blessed Sacrament is the fruit of the Sacrifice of the Mass. In a small church or chapel it is better to leave the Tabernacle behind the Altar. In a large church it should be to the side but clearly visible and attractive.
NO COMMUNION FOR UNMARRIED PARTNERS?
I was at Mass in Korea when the Pinoy priest said to a Filipino congregation at the homily that those who are living-in with a partner without the benefit of marriage should not go to Communion. What do you say about this?
Answer: That priest was correct. That is the teaching of the Church. Those couples should break their liaison and confess before going to Communion. Communion received devoutly will strengthen them against temptation and help them to remain faithful to the partners they have left behind in the Philippines. In fact overseas workers need all the help they can get as indeed they too would wish their partners at home to remain faithful to them.
CONFESSION
How often should I go to confession?
Answer: Strictly speaking you only need to go when in grave sin. Confession is also a support in our search for holiness and for God and for overcoming our habitual faults. So confession at Christmas, Easter and on your birthday is a good idea.