Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon graced the Mission Congress of the Diocese of Legazpi as keynote speaker last Saturday, July 18. Speaking to more than 600 delegates at the Legazpi City Convention Center Expo Hall, Alarcon emphasized the pillars of synodality: communion, participation and mission. He urged everyone to continuously participate in forming a local synodal Church. (Photos by Natalie Quimlat)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16 R. (5a) Lord, you are good and forgiving. Second Reading: Romans 8:26-27 Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-43 Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: "The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and b

Dear Father Bill, Tano ta nagkakaigwa nin Mass of the Holy Spirit pagpoon kan klase kada taon? An minagalang, Minerva Dear Minerva, An Misa kan Banal na Espiritu (Mass of the Holy Spirit) pigse-celebrar sa pagpoon kan pagklase kada taon tanganing hagadon sa Dios an gracia kan Saiyang kadonongan, paggiya, asin bendisyon. Sa pagtiripon kan comunidad kan escuelahan, pigpapahiling kaini an edukasyon bilang nakahiras asin espiritwal na misyon, na naghahagad sa Espiritu Santo na

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Many among us carry unseen burdens. Some struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, loneliness, grief, or other mental health challenges. Others silently bear the pain of poverty, unemployment, overwhelming debt, family conflict, migration, or the loss of hope. Many suffer in silence, afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or rejected. There are

Social Action Centers across the Bicol region gathered last July 13 for an assembly at the Chancery Social Hall of the Diocese of Legazpi. Themed "Strengthening Internal Governance and Strategic Regional Linkages", the regional assembly featured messages from Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet, Bishop-in-charge of the Social Action Network of the Bicol Region, and Fr. Carmelo Caluag, Executive Director of Caritas Philippines. All Social Action Centers shared their stories in helpin

The image of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, joined the Grand Coronada Procession of the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu in Cebu City, July 11. (Photos by Natalie Quimlat)

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 R. (Lk 8:8) The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. Second Reading: Romans 8:18-23 Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-23 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables

By CBCP News OZAMIZ City — Synodality begins not with new Church programs but by simply being present among ordinary people, a newly ordained bishop told fellow prelates gathered Sunday for their annual retreat. Bishop Cyril Villareal of Kalibo said the Church’s call to synodality ultimately means accompanying people in their daily lives, especially those living in society’s margins. “We have been listening and talking about synodality for almost five years now,” Villareal sa

By Edward Pentin/EWTN News Pope Leo XIV opened his second extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26 by defending his decision to conduct the gathering in a synodal format, acknowledging that the approach is unusual, but insisting that the Lord is leading the Church along this path so that she can “grow in communion.” Addressing 178 cardinals in the Paul VI Hall on the first of two days of discussions, Leo encouraged them to “engage wholeheartedly” in a synodal, working

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. Second Reading: Romans 8:9, 11-13 Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat The Archdiocese of Caceres celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of its elevation to a Metropolitan See on June 29 with a Diamond Jubilee Assembly and a Jubilee Mass. Held at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall of the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia, the Assembly was an avenue to discuss the constitution and by-laws of the Youth Commission, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Council, and the Commission for the Construction and Consecration of Ecclesiastical Stru

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi officially launched the celebratory phase of their Diocesan Diamond Jubilee on June 29, feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, by opening the Jubilee Door at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Those who faithfully visit the Cathedral during the celebratory phase, which ends on December 31, and fulfill the necessary conditions may receive the Jubilee Plenary Indulgence. Themed “Biniyayaan, Inaantabayanan, Sinusugo”, Baylon called

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat On the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, June 29, the Diocese of Sorsogon celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a eucharistic celebration and the opening of the second Diocesan Synod. Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, graced the event as main presider and preacher. Speaking to his fellow Bishops, the clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese gathered at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Brown spoke of journeying together towa

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time First Reading: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a Responsorial Psalm Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 R. (2a) Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord. Second Reading: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:37-42 Jesus said to his apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of m

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “This is a call and prayer for accountability, truth, justice, and responsibility in our country.” With these words, Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet urged the clergy, religious and lay faithful to participate in the White Ribbon Movement March on June 28, Sunday. Abcede issued the circular regarding the March yesterday, Feast of St. John the Baptist. “In solidarity and support for the White Ribbon Movement March, I encourage everyone to wear white when a