2007 Annual CBAP Convention - Second Day

July 21, Saturday – The opening liturgy included a well-applauded prayer song and dance performed a group of young people from a parish apostolate run by the Daughters of Charity (photo: 1).

Sr. Helen Graham, MM (photo: 1) presented the second major speaker Dianne Bergant, CSA (photos: 1, 2). Former President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America (2000-2001), Bergant is currently professor of Biblical Studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Her research interests include biblical theology and interpretation, the integrity of creation, feminism and liberationist perspectives, and world mission. Some of the books she has published are: Israel's Wisdom Literature: A Liberation-Critical Reading (Minneapolis: Fortress, 1997); The Earth Is the Lord’s: the Bible, Ecology and Worship (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998); Song of Songs (Berit Olam Series; Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2001); Lamentations (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003).

In her paper "Things too Wonderful for Me – Job 42:3: Job and the New Cosmology," Dianne pointed out that "a careful reading of Job's words shows that he never questioned God's power. However, he expected that power to be exercised in providential ways that he could understand. His insight into the marvels of the natural world, gained through God's astounding manifestation through nature, led him to realize that total comprehension of divine power and providence was beyond his grasp. Once he realized this, Job was able to deepen his appreciation of the mystery that is God, even without fully understanding it." Bergant's insight elicited a lively discussion during the open forum.

After group picture taking (photo: 1, 2, 3) and merienda, the assembly broke up into small groups for two workshop papers: (1) "Kay YHWH ang Lupa at Kapunuan Nito – Awit 24" by Martha Gamolo, DC; and (2) "Teaching Biblical Greek" by Hebert Schneider, SJ (photo: 1).

The afternoon session started at 2:00 with the reports of the activities of the OT and NT interest groups. Both groups met once every semester to listen to lectures given by two or three members. The regular meetings were a way of maintaining the members' interest in scripture and keeping them updated on recent developments in biblical research.

After the reports, the participants had the choice of attending one of two workshops: (1) "OT Holy Mountain Ethos and Its Transformation in the NT" by Rafael Dy-Liacco; and (2) "The Moon and the Stars: Study of Psalm 8" by Emmanuel Hirschauer (photos: 1, 2).

The rest of the afternoon was devoted to the announcement of the results of the election of the 2007-08 CBAP Board of Trustees. Although reelected, Gil Alinsangan, SSP, declined to serve for another term. At the meeting of the newly elected board that night, they chose to keep the same set of officers as last year's, except that Gil would now be replaced by Herb as acting Treasurer.

The second day ended with a Mass officiated by Broderick Pabillo (photos: 1, 2, 3), auxiliary bishop of Manila in-charge of the urban poor. Bishop Pabillo is an active founding member of CBAP.

Arnold Monera (photo: 1) was the moderator of the second day.