04 January 2012
“For Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit”
Ephesians 2:14-18
My Dear Colleagues in CEAP:
2011 has been a year full of challenges for our nation and the world. The political turmoil, the attacks on our basic principles and the recurring natural disasters have characterized the period. The sad year-ender was the devastating effects of Typhoon ‘Sendong” in Northern Mindanao. More than a thousand lives and billions in properties were lost in large part due to man’s abuse of the environment.
Yet again, adversity has brought the best in the Filipino. The hundreds of volunteers and the tens of thousands who sent material and financial support spelled out the true promise for the future of the country. The spirit of solidarity and resilience has been fully demonstrated. Many of our schools, although they themselves are victims have been at the forefront of relief efforts for those affected. It warms the heart to hear that Xavier University donated a portion of its property to the local government of Cagayan de Oro to be used for rebuilding the homes of victims there. There are countless other efforts from many nameless individuals who heeded the call for support. In time, Northern Mindanao will be able to rebuild because of our expression of solidarity and of our collective prayers.
Pope Benedict XVI, in his annual Message for the World Day of Peace last January 1, 2012 has chosen the theme, "Educating Young People in Justice and Peace”. This theme centers on the urgent need in our world at this time: to listen to and enhance the important role of new generations in the realization of the common good, and in the affirmation of a just and peaceful social order where fundamental human rights can be fully expressed and realized. This message inspires us to refocus our attention to the good that we all do despite the challenges that we face which includes the formation of the young in understanding the importance of helping the poor and the marginalized in our society.
Looking back at the past year, it also warms my heart to recall the 2011 National Convention in Davao City that has broken the record in terms of attendance. This only shows our commitment in educating our young people in Justice and Peace. As we continue in our pursuit towards transformative education, allow me to share with you some of the major activities and accomplishments of the CEAP from September to December 2011. Also attached (see Downloads) are the different resolutions crafted during the 2011 CEAP National Convention, and the letter from HAPAG-ASA regarding the Fastfeed2 Program. We encourage you to support this program.
As we move forward to a new year full of promise, we envision a CEAP equipped to face tougher challenges and ready to respond to new opportunities in the improvement of the education sector. We find a very beautiful image in Psalm 130. The Psalmist says that people of faith wait for the Lord “more than those who watch for the morning” (v. 6); they wait for him with firm hope because they know that he will bring light, mercy, salvation. This waiting was born of the experience of the Chosen People, who realized that God taught them to look at the world in its truth and not to be overwhelmed by tribulation.(Pope Benedict XVI, Educating Young People in Justice and Peace par. 1) Let us then face the new year waiting for the Lord in hope.
Very truly yours,
Fr. Gregg L. Banaga, Jr.,CM
President