Three Thomasian educators are among the contributors of a collection of the writings of Pope Francis translated into Filipino that was recently published by the Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. with permission from the Libreria Editrice Vaticana. They are Mr. Leo-Martin Angelo R. Ocampo and Mr. Sir-Lien Hugh T. Tadeo of the Institute of Religion and Mr. Vince Henry M. Salles of the Senior High School.
Titled “Ang Galak ng Ebanghelyo: Evangelii Gaudium at Iba Pang Mahahalagang Akda ni Papa Francisco na Isinalin sa Wikang Filipino,” the volume contains all of the most important texts of the Pope’s pontificate thus far, from his first encyclical Lumen Fidei to his latest Apostolic Letter Desiderio Desideravi.
In a brief message, His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, O.P., D.D. said that the translation of Church documents into the local languages is important for two reasons. “Una, ang pagsasa-Filipino ay pagkilala sa presensya ng diwa ng Ebanghelyo sa sarili nating wika at katutubo kultura, gamit ang sarili nating mga sagisag at pamamaraan” (First, translating them into Filipino is a recognition of the presence of the spirit of the Gospel in our own language and native culture, using our own symbols and ways of expression). “Ikalawa, ang pagsasa-Filipino ay mainam na paraan upang mas maipaabot sa mga kababayan natin ang Ebanghelyo. Mas malalim at taimtim na tumitimo ang mensaheng naipahayag sa sariling wika. Mas buhay at mas matibay ang kagat, antig, at talab nito sa mambabasa o tagapakinig” (Second, translating them into Filipino is an effective way to bring the Gospel closer to our fellow Filipinos. A message expressed in one’s own language is more profound. It is more alive, has a stronger bite, and more appealing to the reader or the listener).
CBCP President and Bishop of Kalookan Pablo Virgilio David expressed his hope that the translations would help bring Filipino readers closer to the thought, spirituality, and reflection of Pope Francis or “Lolo Kiko” as we fondly call him. He also said that “Ang pagbasa sa mga ito ay para na ring pakikinig natin sa kanya sa ating sariling wika” (Reading these [translations] is like listening to him [speak] in our own language).”
Meanwhile, the Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown thanked Claretian Communications Foundation, Inc. “for this noteworthy effort of making available the magisterium of Pope Francis in the Filipino language, allowing more Filipinos to have access to the Pope’s profound insights on the life and ministry of the Church today and in the future.”
The volume is a contribution of the publisher to the celebration of the fifth centenary of the coming of Christianity to the Philippines and it also coincides with the seventh anniversary of Ocampo’s translation of Laudato Si’, the first encyclical published in the local language with permission from the Vatican Press.
