By Mary Lackie

American Catholics are more knowledgeable about Vatican II, but Filipino Catholics are perhaps more dedicated to the faith, said Felix Ruiz of Manila, assistant editor of the United States Information Service in the Philippines.

One of nine foreign journalists touring the United States, Ruiz discussed everything fr0m liturgical reform to traffic problems during his Atlanta visit.

Liturgical changes are widely accepted in the Philippines, Ruiz said, “It is a community Mass—almost spontaneous—young or old, everybody sings with one voice. Everyone joins in the prayers”. Throughout the nation, he said, hymns and translations of the Mass are the same; a contrast to Masses Ruiz has attended in this country.

The pre-Council days, “The women would bring their Rosaries or men and women would come to Mass with their stacks of novena books. Now if you have a private meditation, you stay after Mass and perform your devotions”.

A new ecumenical spirit has evolved in the Philippines, where 80 per cent of the population is Catholic. “We are no longer prohibited from participation in non-Catholic services, and we can invite our non-Catholic friends to worship with us,” Ruiz said.

Parish councils have been active in the Philippines for years, Ruiz said. Officers of men’s societies, the Catholic women’s league, and officials of the barrios (villages) work with the bishops and pastors “to help formulate plans that are best suited to the parish needs and the solutions to the needs of the community.”

Ruiz, a member of the Holy Name society, said, “If the work of a religious society concerns the welfare of the community, the members don’t care about the separation of Church and state—they just help people.” Ruiz noted that in this country, “The Catholic people are much more militant and aggressive on the subject of the separation of Church and state.”

The Holy Name Society may even petition the government for aid or reforms in laws affecting the poor. However, Ruiz stressed, “If one of our members runs for political office, he runs as a private citizen, never overtly nor covertly mentioning his association with the society”.

Any member who would use the society as a vehicle for his political advancement, would be held suspect. “Other members would frown upon him for using the Holy Name Society for political aggrandizement,” he said.

The organization has established a day-care clinic for indigents, enlisting the work of volunteer doctors and nurses. It contacts businessmen who own property in poverty areas and encourages the owners to donate vacant lots for use as playgrounds. The society provides equipment and members in the area supervise the children’s activities.

If a certain region of the Philippines has a serious problem, the members of local societies go out to help them,’ Ruiz said.

“We work on a person-to-person basis,” Ruiz said, “comforting families at the time of death or illness, and offering emergency assistance.” During the volcanic eruption of 1965, members went out independently, raising funds for the victims, distributing clothing and relocating the displaced families.

The Knights of Columbus are as active, if not more so, Ruiz said. Younger men are members of the Legion of Mary, and many belong to the spiritual organization, the Nocturnal Adoration, which meets for monthly vigils and meditations.

The Church-oriented country is not free from traffic problems. “The traffic in Atlanta is orderly,” Ruiz said. “In downtown Manila, there are only two traffic lights. And so many cars now. You can’t imagine—when the policeman turns his back, all the cars are in the intersection, and nobody wants to give way.”