The Roman Catholic Church commemorates the feast day of one of the greatest of the Roman Pontiffs and one of the most remarkable men of all times (New Advent), Pope St. Gregory VII, with eucharistic celebrations.
Baptized with the name Hildebrand, which, according to his contemporaries, signified "a bright flame," he was elected Pope by acclamation in 1073 at the young age of 45. He took the name of Gregory VII in honor of St. Gregory the Great.
At once, he instituted vigorous reforms in the Universal Church that he was known as the greatest reformer of the Medieval congregation and the most fearless exponent of Church reform.
Among his many decrees, Pope Gregory VII declared that clerics who had obtained any grade or office of sacred order by payment should cease to minister in the Church.
He also prohibited the buying or selling of ecclesiastical rights. Clerics who were found guilty of incontinence were prohibited to exercise their sacred ministry. He also advised the faithful to reject ministrations of clerics who failed to obey the injunctions. (Christina I. Hermoso)
Classrooms ready for June
ROSALES, Pangasinan — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 (Ilocos) Director Fidel D. Ginez said here yesterday that his office has closely coordinated with Department of Education (DepEd) officials in the region the opening of schoolyear 2005-2006.
Ginez, who instructed all his district engineers to fasttrack the construction or repairs of schoolbuildings, said that reports submitted to his office disclosed that all 2004 schoolbuilding projects in the various engineering districts in the region have been completed and are now ready for the opening of classes this June.
He said that strict project monitoring has been implemented to ensure the quality of work and target dates of completion have been observed, in compliance with the orders of DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. to finish schoolbuilding projects before the opening of classes.
Aside from the construction of schoolbuildings, Ginez added that maintenance of national roads and bridges has been undertaken.
He has encouraged his district engineers to deliver effective infrastructure services to the people in their areas, saying "it is our duty to perform honestly and with transparency, our commitment to serve the public should be a task we must achieve." (Fa A. Ibrahim)
