Don’t Envy Europe!

EUROPE “TIRED” —I read a few days ago Pope Francis describing Europe as “tired” and needs renewal. He noted that the young there  are timid and not so “gung ho”  for work while their old folks are left to fend for themselves in their old age and are no longer tended by their own children. And the new generation are no longer keen about having children and  raising families of their own. In fact, in due time, theirs will be an aging  generation and only  a small  population  will eventually   take over.

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CHURCHES CLOSED  —I used to visit frequently Europe before,  specially the Netherlands ( or Holland)   when I was actively involved in the peace negotiations with the CPP/NPA/NDF.  JOMA Sison and his cohorts were  — and still are — based   in Utrecht just outside Amsterdam. I saw for myself how some of their  Catholic churches had become just veritable museums and the doors were padlocked because there were no more priests and no one went to church to pray anymore. One had to ask around where the still functioning churches could be found.

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HUMANITARIAN MISSION — I remember in 1998 (or thereabouts) I joined a so-called humanitarian mission to Utrecht to negotiate for the release of Army General Obillo (now deceased)  and then junior officer (now Colonel)  Ed Montealto who were captured and held captives by NPAs under Commander Parago. With us were  Bishop Nanding Capalla assisted by Fr. Pete Lamata and Tagum Bishop Manlapaz and his assistant priest. Yes, we succeeded in our mission  and the two officers were later safely released.   When we were in Amsterdam on a free day, we wanted to hear mass but the church at the center of the city was padlocked. What were wide open, however,  at the back of the church were the so-called “escarates” or “brothels” where professional prostitutes plied  their legal trade showing their “wares”  through glass show windows. Our team of bishops and priests,  unable to turn back and surprised at the sights, walked the area nonchalantly   and ostensibly just to do “social investigation.” (Looking back, I wished  there were  “  selfies” then!  Hahaha! )

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STRONG FAITH    — During my earlier trips to Amsterdam in 1995  with the government negotiating team during FVR’s time with then panel chair, Ambassador Howard Dee and Silvestre “Bebot” Bello,  we had also difficulty looking for churches to hear Sunday mass. Europe, indeed, needs “renewal” per Pope Francis.

I am mentioning all this because we Filipinos are so blessed. We have not reached that period of decadence that so-called developed countries are now experiencing. We should not envy them. In spite of modern day blandishments, we have kept  our  faith and values intact and strong.  Let’s keep it this way!