THE INTERIM REGIONAL WORKSHOPS OF NOTHERN LUZON
ON LINEAMENTA
ON POWER POINT PRESENTATION
jpibc-workshops-on-lineamenta-and-biblical-figures.pps
THE 23RD REGIONAL BIBLICAL WORKSHOP OF NORTHERN LUZON
St. Joseph College Seminary
Macatiw, Alaminos City
October 16-19, 2006
After two years of blissful preparations which started in a meeting of the Board of Directors during our 22nd Regional Biblical Workshop at the Heritage Resort of Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, with joy and gladness we gather again on October 16-19, 2006 at St. Joseph College Seminary in Macatiw, Alaminos City With the theme: “SACRED SCRIPTURE IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH OF NORTHERN LUZON”.
We, the Biblical Animators and Workers of Northern Luzon were challenged to find inspiration and hope from the Sacred Scripture in responding to the growing despair and hopelessness of God’s people in our present socio-political, socio-economic, religious-cultural and ecological situations during our last Regional Biblical Workshop. We gathered together in the light of the Word to remember the past, to assess the present and look towards the future tracing the roadmap ahead of the Biblical-Pastoral Ministry of Northern Luzon as we celebrated the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of our John Paul I Biblical Center. Fr. Ludger Feldkaemper, SVD the founder of the JPIBC guided us in “remembering the past”. Bishop Arturo Bastes, DD the chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Biblical Apostolate of the CBCP led us in “assessing the present” and the late (with happy memories) Most Rev. Cornelio G. Wigwigan, DD of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe directed us on “looking towards the future” of JPIBC and the Biblical-Pastoral Ministry of Northern Luzon. Together we reflected, evaluated, prayed, shared, planned and celebrated joyfully the events in that workshop gifted with each ones presence as we made our FINAL STATEMENT for a better and more meaningful service as workers in the Biblical Apostolate in our Arch/diocese, Apostolic Vicariates, Parishes, Institutions, Basic Ecclesial Communities and families in this part of the country.
This 23rd Regional Biblical Workshop is inspired by the challenges of the 40th Anniversary of the Dei Verbum in Rome with the International Bible Congress celebrated last September 14-18, 2005. The Jubilee Celebration of the Dei Verbum was brought to Bontoc during the 16th National Biblical Workshop last February 14-18, 2006 and from the high mountains we go down to the “Tyberic” shore of Alaminos with its magnificent Hundred Islands. We are witnesses to the pilgrim celebrations of the Word of God (the Dei Verbum) from Rome (International) to Bontoc (National) and to Alaminos (Regional) and to our places of mission (Local).
All our regional workshops that we convened through the years have strengthened our bonding together as members of the BA family. It is in this jubilant spirit that we thank and glorify God as we met each other again in Alaminos especially on the occasion of the Silver Anniversary of the Basic Bible Seminar (BBS) developed by our regional biblical center of Northern Luzon: the JPIBC. Indeed, we celebrated with joy coming together as a family and this time with our solemn resolve of gifting each one our life-giving presence making the WORD ALIVE in us and the people we come in contact with during and after the event. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus … we pray that God’s Word will continue to set our Hearts on Fire.
In behalf of our Bishop Chairman Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, DD, the Bishops of Northern Luzon with the Executive Committee, the Diocesan Commission for the Biblical Apostolate of Alaminos, Fr. Aries Mina, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who made our 23rd REGIONAL BIBLICAL WORSKHOP OF NORTHERN LUZON joyful, memorable, fruitful and successful. We thank St. Joseph the Worker the patron of the DIOCESE OF ALAMINOS for his protection and intercession.
In the Word through Mary,
Fr. Dominador O. Ramos, SVD
JPIBC – Director
FINAL STATEMENT
In the light of the reflections and workshops, the participants of the 23rd Regional Biblical Workshop held in Alaminos City, Pangasinan commit themselves:
Ø to a grateful fidelity to THE WORD OF GOD as revealed and contained in SACRED SCRIPTURES and as lived and proclaimed by SACRED TRADITION
Ø to be committed to a more biblically inspired and nourished liturgical life
Ø to actively collaborate in the promotion of BECs that are regularly and intensively formed by the WORD OF GOD and nourished by the EUCHARIST for social transformation that is specially concerned in promoting the common good and the showing solidarity with the poor
Ø to explore creative ways of bringing the WORD OF GOD to all – young and old – in ways and means that put to use indigenous and simple materials and such methods of communication that are relevant and entertaining
Invoking the guidance of St. Joseph patron of the Diocese of Alaminos we, participants of the 23rd Regional Biblical Workshop of Northern Luzon, resolve to share what we have learned to other workers in the apostolate and to work together in our sub-regions to realize these.
In Behalf of the Participants of the
23rd Regional Biblical Workshop of
Northern Luzon,
MOST REV. RENATO P. MAYUGBA, DD
Bishop Chairman – JPIBC
Northern Luzon Commission for the Biblical Apostolate
October 19, 2006
The 23rd Regional Biblical Workshop Experience of Northern Luzon
All roads led to St. Joseph Seminary in Brgy. Macatiw,Alaminos City for the 23rd Regional Biblical Workshop of Northern Luzon held from October 16-19, 2006. The theme, “Sacred Scriptures in the Life of theChurch of Northern Luzon,” inspired the lectures of the dynamic speakers and the active participating of the 87 participants. The presence of the Most Rev. Renato P. Mayugba, DD, Chairman of the BA for Northern Luzon, and the active BA Directors and Coordinators from the Archdioceses/Dioceses/Vicariates, and the encouraging presence of the ICST-BPM seminarians made the Workshop a fruitful one. The Host Diocese of Alaminos led by its BA Director, Fr. Aries Mina, and the SJCS staff and seminarians made the stay of the delegates truly memorable.On the first day, Fr. Mario Sanchez started our encounter with the Word of God as he introduced us to Christian Spirituality, which he emphasized must be rooted in Jesus Christ. Moreover, he made us realize that the Holy Spirit moves and inspires Christians to work for the realization of thekingdom of God already now, though it will only find its fulfillment in the hereafter. It is this same Holy Spirit who impels all to live holy lives inasmuch as all are called to holiness. Fr. Mario then went on to emphasize that it is the Sacred Scriptures that nourishes Christian Spirituality and action in the world.
The second day had for its topic, “The Sacred Scriptures and Dei Verbum,” given by Msgr. Andy Cosalan. He spoke of the Vatican II document “Dei Verbum,” as the Magna Carta of the Biblical Apostolate. He stressed the inseparability of the Sacred Scriptures and the Sacred Tradition. The Magisterium, the teaching office of the Church guides the Church in the authentic interpretation of Sacred Scriptures in the light of Sacred Tradition. And what we believe and practice in the Sacred Tradition is inspired by the Sacred Scriptures.
“The Sacred Scriptures and the Liturgy” was the next topic discussed by Msgr. Andy Cosalan. He spoke of the Bible as the account of the mighty deeds of God. In a very comprehensive and illustrative way Msgr. Andy recounted how the bible is replete with accounts and detailed descriptions of the liturgical life of the chosen people. Indeed, how much of our present liturgy can already be found in Sacred Scriptures!
The third day brought us Dr. Natividad Pagadut on the topic, “The Sacred Scriptures and the BEC.” Recalling her fruitful visit of the Holy Land, she spoke of the marvelous dates that dot the deserts. She noted that these trees have very deep roots that make it possible for them to survive in the arid desert. She then said that if we wish to have vibrant and sturdy communities we need to be rooted in the Word of God. The BEC, she said, is like a tree which is deeply rooted in Word of God. It is nourished by the Word of God. Then Dr. Natividad Pagadut, in her entertaining say, brought us to a review of the evolution of the BEC. The BEC, she said, traces its history in Jesus who founded the first small community – the first apostolic community. Then the Apostles founded various Christian communities. Then, the BEC came into vogue in modern times, beginning in Latin America. Documents from various Episcopal Conferences developed the BEC. Significant among these were: the documents from Medelin, Puebla, the Synod of Bishops in Rome, Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical “Evangelii Nuntiandi” in 1975.
Today the BEC is seen as the sign of hope in the Church. The BEC understands the Church as a communion of communities where the members are concerned and involved with one another. In this new way of being Church the poor are empowered and all participate. They become participative and co-responsible partners.
The bond of unity in the BEC is the Word of God. People start to take responsibility for their destiny as they read the Bible. Nourished by the Word of God the BEC the members are transformed into an evangelized and evangelizing community. When people live the Word of God they have a change of heart. When we listen to the Word of God, we reflect, we become transformed and we become responsible for one another. We have the ability to respond to the needs of one another. We integrate faith and daily life. When we read the Bible, we find Jesus in our midst.
The hot afternoon did not hamper the joyful spirit of the next speaker, Mr. Charles Javier, who gave a talk on “Creative Proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures”. The participants sang and danced their hearts out as Sir Charles introduced many creative ways to presenting the Word of God, especially to children and the youth. We were awed, entertained, and amused by the 101 ways of making the Word of God alive and entertaining!
Aside from the lectures and workshops, the participants also elected new members of the Board from the subregions. And to cap the workshop, the silver edition of the BBS Manual was launched. We are eternally grateful to the Trinitas Publication for gratuitously sponsoring the publication! The spirit of our late beloved Sr. Henrietta, co-founder with Fr. Ludger of the JPIBC, must have been at work in this endeavor!
We are deeply grateful for our host, St. Joseph College Seminary through their rector Fr. Ulyses Cacho and the Fr. Formators and the ever cheerful concerned and caring seminarians and Sisters. The Biblical team headed by the Regional Director Fr. Doms Ramos, SVD, and the bishops of Alaminos Most Rev. Jesus Cabrera, DD and Most Rev. Marlo Peralta, DD.
Lastly, our deepest gratitude to our speakers, workshop animators who led us to the joyful participation of the experience of the Word of God.
The Participants
23rd Regional Biblical Workshop for Northern Luzon
October 19, 2006
John Paul I Biblical Center
IMMACULATECONCEPTION SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
2700 VIGAN CITY
REGIONAL BIBLICAL WORKSHOPS OF NORTHERN LUZON
|
NUMBER |
DATE |
THEME |
VENUE |
| 1st | Oct. 22-25, ‘79 | What Is The Biblical Apostolate | ICST,Vigan City |
| 2nd | Oct. 27-31, ‘80 | The Bible and Laity | ICST,Vigan City |
| 3rd | Oct. 26-30, ‘81 | The Bible and Family | ICST,Vigan City |
| 4th | Oct. 18-22, ‘82 | The Youth and the Bible | Mary Heights Seminary,Baguio City |
| 5th | Oct. 24-28, ‘83 | The Word of God: An Invitation To Renewal and Reconciliation | Mary Heights Seminary,Baguio City |
| 6th | Oct. 23-27, ‘84 | Every Family: A Witness to the Gospel | Mary Heights Seminary,Baguio City |
| 7th | Oct. 21-25, ‘85 | Communitarian Renewal of God’s People Thru His Word Exemplified by Mary | Mary Heights Seminary,Baguio City |
| 8th | Oct. 20-25, ‘86 | God’s Word at the Heart of the Pastoral Ministry | SBRTFC,Fatima Vigan City |
| 9th | Oct. 19-24, ‘87 | Life – Scripture – Eucharist – Community | LittleFlower Novitiate Baguio City |
| * | Oct. 26-29, ‘88 | 1st National Consultation on the BA on the Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of JPIBCTheme: The Bible in Evangelization in the Philippines Today |
ICST,Vigan City |
| 10th | Oct. 22-27, ‘89 | The Bible and the New Evangelization | ICST,Vigan City |
| 11th | Oct. 21-26, ‘90 | Towards an Inculturation of Filipino Biblical Spirituality | ICST,Vigan City |
| 12th | Oct. 1991 | God’s Word: Challenge to Servant-Leadership in BEC | Pastoral Center Alaminos, Pangasinan |
| 13th | Oct. 26-30, ‘92 | Spirituality of a Biblical Animator | Sacred Heart Minor Seminary San Fernando City, La Union |
| 14th | Oct. 18-22, ‘93 | Responding to God’s Word in Northern Luzon |
St. Vincent Pastoral Center Solana, Cagayan |
| 15th | Oct. 1994 | Living Word for a Dying World | Mary Help ofChristians College Seminary Dagupan City |
| 16th | Oct. 25-28, ‘95 | Making Life Fully Alive for All (Jn 10:10b) | Batac, Ilocos Norte |
| 17th | Oct. 22-26, ‘96 | Jesus Christ – Heart of the Bible | St. Ferdinand College Ilagan, Isabela |
| 18th | Oct. 1997 | To Christ, the Word, in the Spirit | N.S. Socio-Pastoral Center Vigan City |
| 19th | Oct. 19-23, ‘98 | Father’s Word on Mother Earth | Bulanao Pastoral Center Tabuk, Kalinga |
| 20th | Oct. 16-19, ‘00 | The Word of God: A Blessing for all Nations | DWCB Gymnasium Bangued, Abra |
| 21st | Oct. 14-18, ‘02 | The Word of God Builds Up the Family | Teng-ab, Bontoc Mountain Province |
| 22nd | Sept. 27-30, ‘04 | God’s Word: Living Hope, Lasting Peace | Heritage ResortCaoayan, Ilocos Sur |
| 23rd | Oct. 16-19, ‘06 | Sacred Scripture in the Life of the Church of Northern Luzon |
St. Joseph Seminary Alaminos City |


