Monday, November 27, 2006 Nalzaro: The culprit By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
WHEN I was in elementary school in my hometown of Dipolog City, we used to have a weekly subject on religion. Although it was not officially part of the curriculum, I understood there was an agreement between the defunct Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the Archdiocese of Dipolog to include religion as a subject. Church officials sent catechists to our school every week to conduct a class on religion. We were taught the virtues and values of life that I still practice now as a Christian.
There is nothing wrong with conducting “Life in the Spirit Seminar” (LSS) in school. We have to teach our youths the moral values that are fast disappearing among the new generation. The moral recovery program among them should be encouraged and promoted in campuses. And the Church, as a moral vanguard, should be involved in the undertaking.
Every person, regardless of his religious belief, needs spiritual guidance. In my case, I need spiritual guidance because it’s a way of lifting my heart, mind and spirit to God. I am a Roman Catholic, although I am ashamed to admit that I am not so devout.
The controversy encountered by 20 female participants during an LSS initiated by city school officials and conducted by the Oasis of Love at the Abellana National High School two weeks ago was an isolated case. The organizers made a mistake in picking the priest who heard confession because he ended up making sexual advances towards the girls. Yes, the priest was a disgrace and should be condemned. But we should not blame school officials for initiating the undertaking. So why criticize the spiritual exercise for the priest’s mistake.
I disagree with Mayor Tomas Osmeña who is opposed to this kind of activity because he doesn’t want students to become religious fanatics. Faith and fanaticism are two different things. Why crucify Schools Division Superintendent Leonilo Oliva? He should instead be commended for initiating such a laudable move.
The only mistake that Oliva committed, if there was any, was the schedule of the activity because it fell during class hours. But I am just wondering why church leaders are not keen on investigating the priest’s misconduct, although church officials say they already suspended him. What about the priest’s criminal and administrative liability? They even refuse to reveal his identity.
But since everybody wants to know who he is, I will identify him. I have his complete name but I will just call him “Father Ben.” His family name starts with the letter “E.”
