by Major Francisco  NAGA CITY - The Parish of San Francisco de Asis hosted its first Parish Saradit na Kristianong Komunidad (SKK) Day on Wednesday, March 25, welcoming members from the barangays of San Francisco, Dayangdang and Tinago. The gathering, held at the Parish Hall, aimed to strengthen faith, foster belonging and encourage missionary discipleship under the theme  “Believing. Belonging. Becoming.” Organized by Rev. Deacon Mark Kevin Alba, the event brought together 15 participants representing SKK cells from the three barangays. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Wilfred Almoneda presided over the opening rites, which included the Enthronement of the Bible, the Blessing and Distribution of Bibles, and the Bible Prayer. After the gospel reading, Fr. Almoneda delivered a short homily and provided guide questions for reflection. Participants, grouped into four, shared their insights before concluding the first part with the Prayers of the Faithful, the Lord’s Prayer and the SKK hymn. The second part featured a talk and workshop with Ms. Julma Narvadez as the resource speaker. Her talk,  “Believe. Belong. Become.” , encouraged participants to deepen their relationship with Christ, recognize their place in the Church and commit to discipleship. Conversations in the Spirit followed, and assuming the same groups as earlier, participants identified their mission as SKK members and shared the fruits of their prayerful workshop with the assembly.  The afternoon concluded with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees. Currently, San Francisco de Asis Parish has three zone-based SKK cells—one in each barangay—with Tinago as the latest addition. Each cell has about 10 members and has been holding weekly Bible Prayer meetings for over a year. Recently, they introduced the  “Pagsungko kan Imahen ni San Francisco”  as part of their roster of activities, promoting devotion to St. Francis of Assisi in commemoration of the 800th centenary of his death, while expanding SKK’s reach in the community.

By Fr. Francis Tordilla A light yet meaningful encounter with Pope Francis opened the Archbishop of Caceres’ homily during the Chrism Mass on April 1, 2026, at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral—setting the tone for a deeper reflection on mission, anointing, and service. Recalling his Ad Limina visit in 2019, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon shared how Pope Francis, upon greeting him, remarked: “Che odore!” —seemingly noticing a scent. Initially unsure whether it was the perfume he was wearing, the Archbishop later realized the Pope was referring to the “odor of the sacred oil”—a sign of his priestly and episcopal anointing. That simple moment, he said, revealed a profound truth: the identity of a priest is marked by the oil—not just externally, but in mission. Anchored in this year’s Diamond Jubilee theme, “Gabos Kaayon, Gabos May Gibuhon” (Everyone is included, everyone has a role to play), the Archbishop emphasized that this anointing is not only for clergy, but for all the faithful. “The oil marks us for Christ—not only to belong, but to be sent,” he said. The Archbishop explained that the Holy Oils blessed during the Chrism Mass—the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism—are signs of God’s grace that consecrate, heal, strengthen, and send His people into mission. At the heart of his message was a renewed call to priests to live their vocation as “pro populo”  — for the people. “The priest is not for himself. He is for the people,” he stressed, describing  priestly life as a mission of gathering, accompanying, and shepherding—rooted in obedience, sacrifice, and love for the community. Archbishop Alarcon likewise addressed the seminarians, urging them to prepare not for privilege, but for service. He asked them to form themselves as future pastors who will walk with God’s people. He also widened the call beyond the clergy. In line with the Jubilee theme, he insisted that participation is essential to the life of the Church. “In the Church, no one is merely a spectator. Gabos kaayon, gabos may gibuhon ,” he said. He reminded the faithful that the Church’s liturgy and sacraments are never private acts, but celebrations for the whole community and for the salvation of all. “There is no private Mass,” he noted, underscoring the missionary nature of every Eucharistic celebration. Concluding his homily, the Archbishop called on everyone—priests, seminarians, and lay faithful alike—to live out their anointing through concrete service, especially to the poor and those in need. “As one Church, let us walk together—anointed and sent—because in God’s plan, everyone belongs, and everyone has a mission.” The Chrism Mass, a central liturgy of Holy Week, includes the blessing of the Holy Oils and the renewal of priestly promises, highlighting the unity of priests with their bishop and their shared mission with the People of God.

By Jonnah Abellano Amidst the grind of deadlines and digital noise, media practitioners of the Archdiocese of Caceres hit the "pause" button on March 28, 2026, gathering at the Doña Jamora Hall of the Villa Caceres Hotel for a Lenten Recollection. The Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) organized the event as a spiritual pitstop for those usually tasked with telling the stories of others. Fr. Francis Tordilla, Director of CCCom, opened the afternoon by highlighting the irony of the profession. "Most of the time, we announce, we write, we disseminate information. But at least once, we have time together this time to listen," Fr. Tordilla remarked. He challenged the attendees to reflect on their influence, noting that in an era of deep social division, the media holds a unique "multiplier effect." He emphasized that journalists and communicators possess the power to either darken the social landscape or bring light to it, depending on how they frame their narratives within the community. In his talk, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD, Archbishop of Caceres, urged the faithful to embrace the theme of Synodality during his keynote address. Drawing from the global Synod on Synodality initiated by Pope Francis, he translated complex theological concepts into locally relatable expressions: “Sana All”  and “Walang Iwanan”  (No one left behind). Archbishop Alarcon framed the Synod as a “call to conversion,” emphasizing that it goes beyond personal transformation. He said the Church must rethink how it operates and engages with the modern world, fostering genuine participation among the faithful. He also highlighted the three pillars of a synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission, as essential guides for building a Church that walks together with its people. The core of the discussion was encapsulated in the Bicolano phrase: "Gabos Kaayon, Gabos may Gibuhon.” This local mantra serves as a reminder of "co-responsibility," suggesting that the mission of the Church and the pursuit of truth are not the sole burdens of the clergy, but a shared duty with the laity. Reflecting on this shared responsibility, content creator and CCCom volunteer Carol Falabi, known as Lakwatserang Nagueña, noted the humility required in this digital mission. "The truth is, we are not always perfect in how we tell stories. We can unintentionally divide, overlook, or miss the deeper truth," Falabi shared. "The media has a way of multiplying whatever we carry within us. And so we return to this moment, not as experts, but as learners… seeking the grace to communicate with truth, compassion, and responsibility." For Falabi, the synodal journey is a call to use digital platforms for service rather than ego. "Journeying as a Synodal Church, we are called to grow in communion, participation, and mission. And to use our voices not to elevate ourselves, but to serve a greater purpose." Archbishop Alarcon concluded with the stirring prayer, "Disturb us, Lord," a plea for divine intervention to shake the participants out of complacency and drive them toward more meaningful and courageous storytelling. As the Lenten season draws to a close, the event left the "storytellers of Caceres" with a renewed sense of purpose: to ensure that in the process of telling stories, they remain active participants in the journey of walking together toward a more united community.

By Myrna Bermudo "To have a deeper sense of belonging in the Church." This is but one of the feedback gathered during the Barangay Consultation held in Bula last October, which gave birth to a Mission Team that will facilitate Mission Week in far-flung barangays of the Parish.  In January 26–31, 2026, Parish Mission Week was conducted in Barangay Kinalabasahan and on February 23-28, 2026, the same was done in Barangay Taisan.  The Parish Mission Team of St. Mary Magdalene conducted home visitation and administration of the Sacraments such as Anointing of the Sick, daily eucharistic celebration and infant and adult baptisms. Children also had their first Holy Communion. Dialogue with the Parish Priest and formation activities were also done.  These initiatives are part of the Parish’s way  of reaching out to the unchurched thereby, fostering unity, strengthening communion and nurturing the spiritual needs of the faithful.  Through these efforts as well, the Parish is inviting  the faithful to take part in the life of the Church and  to allow their spiritual and pastoral needs to be expressed and be heard.  The Eucharistic celebrations and gatherings inspire parishioners to live as missionary disciples in their homes and in their community. Parents came and accompany their children.  The Team also carry with them the theme of the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese: “Gabos Kaayon, Gabos may Gibuhon”, hoping to inspire participation of all of parishioners in building the community.  The Parish of Saint Mary Magdalene was established in 1578 by the Franciscan missionaries. Today, the Parish serves twelve barangays, all of which are located within the municipality of Bula.  Fr. Rolando Canonce, Parish Priest, leads the Mission Team with deaconRev. Mark Christian Degracia, the Parish Pastoral Council members, catechists, altar servers and some staff.

By Myrna Bermudo “It started when a friend, who is a businessman from Naga City, came with his family. That was summer 2023. He requested me to put up a place where  they can stay, relax  from their stress, and be reminded of the values of simple living,” recalled Fr. Ricky Colinares, Parish Priest. “So, I built one kubo for them.” The kubo grew into several kubos or shelters to become Villa Remedios Formation and Renewal Center (Healing Garden). Located at the Parish of Our Lady of Remedy in Curry, Pili, Camarines Sur, what started as one kubo became a haven for formation and evangelization programs for parishioners. Seminars, meetings and workshops for different groups like LGUs, Department  of Agriculture, UPLB, and other groups would come.  Retreats, recollections, Parish Renewal Experiences (PREX), Curcillo classes, and catechesis on the sacraments are now conducted at the Healing Garden by religious groups and students coming from the Rinconada towns, including pre-college and minor seminaries. In the garden, daily masses are held and the garden is maintained by the Parish Pastoral Council.  The Garden was also built out of necessity for food. Fr. Colinares said that during his first days in the Parish, he was looking for some vegetables at the backyard but found none. He cultivated the soil, started vegetable farming, planted eggplants, ampalaya, stringbeans, paropagulong (winged beans), okra, sili and other crops. Currently, chickens are now being raised as well -promoting parish food security.  “Dakul na po an milagro nangyari  sa Healing Garden (Many miracles have already occurred in the Healing Garden),” Fr. Colinares shared. “Villa Remedios Formation and Renewal  Center (The Healing Garden) is a witness to the healing miracles which I personally observed.”  By God’s grace, the formation and evangelization programs have become a fertile soil for inactive Catholics to return as active members of the Christian community, he related.  “Some were inspired by God to embrace Catholicism. Mercy and compassion ignited reconciliation for siblings who, for two decades have not spoken to one another. And, some transitioned from enemies to friends." For Fr. Colinares, witnessing these little miracles is a source of inspiration  in his priestly life.   Nestled at the foot of Mt. Isarog, the Healing Garden at Villa Remedios Formation and Renewal Center, attracts parish and youth groups who come to visit and experience prayer, silence, healing, and rest for their weary souls.

By Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar NAGA CITY — In a setting more often defined by steel bars and strict routines, a different spirit filled the BJMP Naga Female Dormitory last February 23. The COWCP's (Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection) CARE FOR CARERS Program shifted the spotlight from beneficiaries to those who quietly serve them—the jail officers, staff and interns who maintain order and dignity inside custodial facilities everyday. Part of the RANGA 2026 outreach, the initiative did not only provide meals and hygiene support for female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). It also intentionally honored the uniformed personnel who work long hours under pressure. A moment of prayer marked the gathering, highlighted by the imposition of the Blessed Oil of St. Peregrine Laziosi, invoking healing and strength for those whose service often goes unseen. Lunch—generously sponsored by St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish - Calabanga and the Yu-Chan family—was shared not only with PDLs but also with jail officers and interns, affirming a simple truth: care must be mutual. The reality is sobering. The Philippines’ jail congestion rate has repeatedly exceeded 300% in past years, placing extraordinary strain on personnel tasked with custodial supervision, safety, and rehabilitation support. Behind every successful outreach activity are officers who prepare the venue, secure the area, process documents, and remain on duty long after volunteers leave. Their welfare directly affects the quality of care extended to vulnerable sectors. CARE FOR CARERS evolved from COWCP’s HINGALO Program — originally focused on psychosocial wellness and support for service providers — recognizing that advocacy must extend beyond beneficiaries to the caregivers themselves. "Ang tunay na kawang-gawa — kasama ang lahat."  True charity includes everyone. Supporting service providers is not an optional courtesy; it is a strategic and moral necessity. As COWCP continues its safeguarding and advocacy work, it now calls on volunteers, parishes, civic groups, and advocacy networks to stand not only with beneficiaries but also with the uniformed personnel and institutional partners who labor before and after every visit.  Compassion must widen its horizon.  Because when we care for carers, we strengthen the very system that protects the vulnerable.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat February 14, Saturday, witnessed the "Kasalan sa Piitan 2026" at the Naga City District Jail Male Dormitory. Two couples were united in Holy Matrimony; the Sacrament was officiated by Fr. Jayson Gaite, Chairperson of the Maximillian Ministry, the Archdiocese's Commission on Prison Welfare.  In his homily, Gaite recognized the love that the couples have for each other and reminded them to anchor their relationship on God. He highlighted key elements in the couple's journey as husband and wife.  First, the kind of love that the couples should have for each other: selfless, just as God loves His people. Second, commitment. Gaite emphasized the importance of dedication and consistency in the relationship -of showing up amidst trials and difficulties. Third, the significance of prayer in the couple's lives. He urged the couples to find time for daily prayer, just like Jesus did over the course of His ministry.  Gaite also underlined the importance of a Catholic wedding -a union recognized not only by the public, but also acknowledged in the eyes of God.  The sacred union, which also gives witness to faith, hope and love even in challenging situations, was made possible through the efforts of the Naga City District Jail Male Dormitory Community headed by Jail Warden Chief Inspector Ralph Vincent Bobis and the Maximillian Ministry, its Jail Coordinator, Jail Officer Glen Climaco, and its volunteers, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Ladies of Charity.

By Fr. Francis A. Tordilla LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — February 12, 2026. A decisive step toward renewed and unified minor seminary formation marked the first day of SANGKAN 2026 as formators from across the Philippines gathered at the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and focused their attention on the newly released Ratio Nationalis for Minor Seminaries in the Philippines. SANGKAN—an annual national gathering of minor seminaries that fosters fraternity, collaboration, and shared formation among seminarians and formators—serves as a vital platform for strengthening priestly formation nationwide. Archbishop Midyphil Billones, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Seminaries, led the meeting and highlighted the historic significance of the new document. He acknowledged that Archbishop Socrates Villegas had spearheaded the drafting process and invited him to present the comprehensive update. In his presentation, Archbishop Villegas situated the new Ratio within the broader framework of priestly formation in the country. He described the document as a “second volume” to the earlier Ratio Nationalis crafted for major seminaries, which focused on the Discipleship and Configuration stages. He explained that the previous national Ratio did not address minor seminaries because many European Churches no longer maintain that structure as part of their ordinary formation system. At the same time, he affirmed that the Philippine Church continues to value the minor seminary as a privileged setting for early discernment and integral human formation. He noted that the Vatican encouraged the CBCP to develop a specific framework for minor seminaries, recognizing that the Philippine experience could offer guidance to other blossoming Christian nations that retain or wish to strengthen similar institutions. The priests responded with visible enthusiasm, expressing their desire to study the document thoroughly and align their programs with its norms. Archbishop Billones affirmed the need for continuity and mentorship and requested Archbishop Villegas to remain actively involved in the Commission to guide the implementation process. The assembly approved a national seminar-workshop in October to train formators in applying the new Ratio. Participants also advanced plans to establish a permanent SANGKAN secretariat to ensure organizational stability, preserve institutional memory, and strengthen year-round collaboration among minor seminaries. The Holy Rosary Minor Seminary of Naga embodied that shared commitment. Four priest-formators, four lay teachers, twenty-six seminarians, and several parents traveled 15 hours by bus from Naga City to participate—an act that reflected sacrifice, unity, and a common resolve to strengthen the future of priestly formation in the Philippines.

By Fr. Joshua Sanchez BUHI, Camarines Sur — Laughter, curiosity, and thoughtful silence filled St. Francis of Assisi Parish on February 6 as over 200 students and community members gathered for the 14 th St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series, paired with the RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum. The event, a flagship initiative of the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP), brought education, faith, and mental wellness together under one roof. “This program teaches us not just about our rights, but about valuing ourselves and others,” shared a Grade 6 student from Buhi Central School. “I realized that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s courage.” Launched in 2023 with Ateneo de Naga University Theology Department, the St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series emphasizes freedom, identity, and discipleship, encouraging the youth to embrace their God-given identity and take responsibility for their communities while being aware of the many social issues nowadays like Vulnerabilities, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking. Topics range from responsible sexuality to holistic protection, equipping students, youth groups, and parish communities with tools to advocate for women and children. On the other hand, RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum was introduced in 2024 and complements the lecture series by addressing the urgent mental health concerns in Bicol. The forum provides a safe, compassionate space for dialogue on emotional well-being, resilience and support systems, especially for areas where suicide prevention has become a pressing concern. During the forum, Mrs. Margie May Ireno-Dispolon, LPT, CHRA of Balaogan National High School Bula, guided participants on creating safe spaces for youth mental health, while Atty. Joseph Ceasar Sahurda of Ateneo de Naga College of Law, highlighted the SAFE SPACES ACT as a legal shield for mental well-being. Spiritual reflection and safeguarding insights were shared by COWCP Chairman Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, reinforcing the connection between faith and holistic care. The day concluded with the veneration of the relic of St. Josephine Bakhita, leaving a lasting impression of hope, service, and advocacy. “Seeing everyone come together reminds me that we are not alone,” said a student from Igbac Elementary School. The participants came from Buhi North Central School, Peñafrancia Elementary School, Holy Child Educational Center Buhi Campus, Buhi Central School, Igbac Elementary School, Ipil Elementary School, and Sta. Cruz Elementary School. The event was hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Parish with full support from Parish Priest Fr. William Parde Jr., Ms. Daniela Catorse and the Parish Youth Ministry, in partnership with Mrs. Brenda Gonzales of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipality of Buhi. Through programs like the lecture series and RIGMAT, COWCP continues to inspire the youth, build resilience and nurture empowered communities —living the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, one safe space at a time.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat NAGA CITY - The annual celebration of the Archdiocesan SKK (Saradit na Kristiyanong Komunidad) Day was held last February 7, Saturday, at the Archbishop Alberto Hall, Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia compound.  The gathering was joined by more than 50 SKK Coordinators from the different parishes across the Archdiocese.  In his message, Fr. Emmanuel Mojica, Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Office for SKKs, urged the Coordinators to focus on the sitios or barangays, which is at the core of building SKKs. He stressed the importance of having good relationships within and among the SKKs, highlighting values of communication and coordination.  He also called on the Coordinators to be disciples of Christ -underlying the mission of SKKs, i.e, to evangelize.  Lastly, Mojica emphasized that forming SKKs is a “way of life” and a “new way of becoming Church”, adding that SKKs strengthen the local Catholic Church. Within the Archdiocese, some parishes have established and thriving SKKs, but for most, this remains a challenge.

The feast of St. Peter Baptist, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Caceres, was widely celebrated across the Archdiocese last Feb 1. A mass was officiated by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon on the saint's feast day at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. In his homily, Alarcon urged the faithful to remain rooted in Christ. Having contributed much to the establishment and development of several towns that now comprise the Archdiocese, Baptist, who was a missionary from Spain, was chosen to be the principal patron of Caceres. (Photo from The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral)

From The COMBIBLIA Staff NAGA CITY — In a gathering of faith and fellowship, the Archdiocese of Caceres, through its Commission on Biblical Apostolate (Caceres COMBIBLIA), held a Bible Congress on January 31. The event brought together 335 Bible animators called “Bible Apostles” –parish coordinators, religious sisters and lay leaders –at the Legaspi Hall within the Peñafrancia Basilica Compound. Guided by the theme “The Word of God Gives Life in a Church where Everyone Belongs,” the Congress marked a dual milestone: the 40 th anniversary of Caceres COMBIBLIA and the 75 th Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese. The day was meant as an encounter with the Word through prayer, testimony and a shared vision for the future of the Apostolate. Following the solemn Bible Enthronement, Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. delivered a stirring keynote address -defining the true identity of a Bible Apostle. “The Bible Apostle is a disciple of the Word, an apostle of the Word, and a community builder,” he declared. He emphasized three essential dispositions for every Bible Apostle: the openness to listen, the readiness to be sent and the commitment to work together. A highlight of the morning was a panel discussion featuring the current and former directors of COMBIBLIA. Fr. Danilo Imperial, the pioneer Director, recalled humble beginnings: “Though I was not a Biblical scholar, I was entrusted to start the Apostolate —no fund, no office, no staff; but we built the necessary foundation.” Msgr. Rodel Cajot, who served for 15 years, detailed the growth of Biblical programs and printed guides like “Enot na Pag-adal kan Biblia” and “Maghinanyog an Puso”. Fr. Philip Bersabe shared personal insights on deep scriptural study, while current Director, Fr. Erwin Blasa, expressed gratitude: “I am grateful that after 40 years, we are now harvesting the fruits of the labors of our former Directors.” The gathering was further energized by the Basilica Cantores de Peñafrancia and the remarkable Bible reading and preaching of an 8-year-old child, Ethan Alfonso. The afternoon featured moving testimonies from Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento; Sr. Monina V. Baybay, FSP; Ronald Greg and Jocelyn Aguila and their children; Mark Emman Huit, a youth; and Bing and Ethan Alfonso, mother and son, who candidly shared their struggles and joys in encountering the Scriptures. Looking ahead, Fr. Blasa presented the Vision-Mission-Goals and facilitated its ratification by the Assembly, along with the COMBIBLIA Roadmap for 2026-2027. He announced the launch of “Baklay Biblia,” a caravan set to visit the Bay, Central, Partido, and Rinconada districts throughout the year.  There was also a time of personal prayer, reflection, and sharing through a Spiritual Conversation geared towards concrete plans of action in respective communities. The Congress culminated with a Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Alarcon. Drawing inspiration from St. Peter Baptist, the principal patron of Caceres, the Archbishop reminded the assembly, “St. Peter Baptist, like us, Bible Apostles, was a disciple, an apostle and a community builder.” He sent the participants forth to their respective parishes and communities, through a moving commissioning ceremony -charging them with the sacred duty to keep the Word of God alive and vibrant in Caceres.