NAGA CITY- Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles John Brown led the solemn eucharistic celebration in honor of the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia last September 20 at the Quadricentennial Arch of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral St. John the Evangelist Parish. During the solemn occasion, Brown also led the rite of coronation of the said image.  Humility & Exaltation: 2 Themes in the Life of Mary In his message, Brown placed much emphasis on the humility of Mary, which he said, attracted the attention of God. “[Mary] wasn’t in any way extraordinary in the eyes of the world. But her heart was pure. Her heart was filled with the love of God. And, God chose Mary.”  Brown also said that in choosing Mary, one can see that “God’s gaze is directed to those who are humble, [to] those who are on the peripheries of our world”, such as Mary who simply “came from the province”.  Brown also spoke of Mary’s humility being expressed in her recognition of the truth. The dialogue between the Angel Gabriel and Mary beautifully highlights the latter’s truthfulness to who she really is. And ultimately, according to Brown, Mary’s complete act of humility is witnessed as she said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to Thy Word.”  Because of Mary’s humility, Brown said, God glorified her in heaven by crowning her.  Let us always choose Mary The Papal Ambassador to the Philippines closed his message by calling on everyone to be children of Mary. “We need to resist the pride of the Devil,” Brown exhorted. “Let us [always] choose to be devotees of Our Lady. Let us be under Her mantle, fighting against the influence of the Devil in our world today.” Speaking of the Throwaway Culture that Pope Francis preaches to reject, Brown further called on everyone: “We need to be part of the culture of life, and Mary is that life. She gives us that life in Jesus. She gives us Jesus, who is our way, our truth and our life; who leads us to the House of the Father; who leads all of us to the exaltation of Heaven.”  Se Siempre La Reina Themed Se Siempre La Reina Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon, the Centenary Celebration of the Canonical Coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called Ina (mother), features not only the love of the Bicolanos for Ina but also their steadfast and eternal devotion to her. It was on September 20, 1924 that then Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines Archbishop Guglielmo Piani crowned the miraculous image of Ina at the Plaza del Seminario de Nueva Caceres. During this time, Caceres was the governing Diocese of the entire Bicol region.  Preparations for the Centenary celebration began under the leadership of Caceres Archbishop-Emeritus Tria Tirona and was brought to its completion by his successor, the newly appointed Caceres Archbishop Alarcon. Together with Brown, Tria Tirona and Alarcon, the aforementioned solemn eucharistic celebration was also concelebrated by the Bicol Bishops: Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon, Libmanan Bishop Jose Rojas, Sorsogon Bishop-Emeritus Arturo Bastes, Sorsogon Bishop Alan Dialogo, and Virac Bishop-Emeritus Manolo de los Santos. Other guests include Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Daet Administrator Fr. Roland Anthony Timoner, and Catholic Bishops Conference to the Philippines (CBCP) Secretary General Msgr. Bernie Pantin. Also present were The Most Rev. David Ricken, of the Diocese of Greenbay, Wisconsin, USA; Rev. Fr Vjekoslav  Holik of the Apostolic Nunciature, Rev. Fr. Alexander John Sherbrooke  of the Diocese of London, Rev. Deacon Peter Gard of the Diocese of Greenbay. By Natalie Hazel P. Quimlat, MD

Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. and newly installed Ateneo de Naga University President Fr. Aristotle “Ari” Dy, S.J. at the opening of the exhibit “Ina: Power and Intimacy” on September 8, at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. The month-long exhibition offers multimedia and interactive presentations that invite ref lection on the history of the Peñafrancia devotion, the role of devotees as bearers of devotion, and the loving embrace of Ina, Queen and Mother, through the centuries. Group tours are welcome. Interested parties may contact the fb page of the same name, “Ina: Power and Intimacy.” (Photo credit: Fr. Nunilon Arnold Bancaso, Jr.)

By Myrna S. Bermudo A clergy recollection ushered in the Peñafrancia festivities in the Archdiocese of Caceres, seat of the devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Penafrancia and Divino Rostro. ‘This is an expression of our commitment. We, as clergy, would wish to be faithful to the commitment, “ said Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD, Archbishop of Caceres. “Many times in history, the clergy made a vow to Our Lady of Penafrancia and Divino Rostro. Kaya ngani pag-minaluwas an Divino Rostro an enot na minaalsa kaini an mga kapadian, nin huli ta iyo yan an saindang pangako. Pangako bako lang para sainda, kundi para sa banwaan nin Dios. Asin kita nangako na aatamanon, dai pagpabayaan an mahal na debosyon sa Mahal na Ina. (Whenever the image of the Divino Rostro is processed, it is first carried by the clergy, because it was their vow. A vow made not only for themselves but for the people of God. We also made a vow to take care of the devotion to Ina.)” Every year, a day before the start of the novena to the Divino Rostro, the priests of the Archdiocese of Caceres gather for a recollection to prepare themselves spiritually for the Peñafrancia festivities. Official portrait of the newly restored 142-year-old image of El Divino Rostro of Bicol.(Portrait photo: Vince Puno) Alarcon presided over the Mass at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia after the clergy recollection held on September 3 at the Legaspi Hall. After the mass, a procession was held to transfer the image of the Divino Rostro from the Basilica to the Old Peñafrancia Shrine where the novena masses would be held. The Caceres clergy carried the image of the Divino Rostro. The Archbishop, seminarians, the religious and hundreds of devotees accompanied the image and were warmly welcomed at the Old Shrine as devotees applauded and shouted, “Viva el Divino Rostro!” “Sisters and brothers, our commitment for this year and the challenge for all of us is that we all grow in keeping our vows and promises or commitments whatever is the status of our life – commitment to God, commitment to our family, commitment to the community, commitment to our advocacies and friends. May nurturing our devotion to the Divino Rostro and to our Ina, give us renewed fervor towards God and caring for our neighbor,” Alarcon added. Challenging the devotees, he said: “To be true to our commitment, we must continue to use the symbols of our commitment because these remind us of and reinforce our commitment.” Referring to the importance of the restoration project of the image of the Divino Rostro, he said: “Thus, this year is special because, concretely, we were able to restore the painting of the Divino Rostro.” The National Historical Commission of the Philippine, in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Caceres and Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore and National Shrine, restored the image last June. It was unveiled with its newly crafted andas and frame during the clergy recollection. Furthermore, the archbishop said that the condition of the centuries-old image of Our Lady of Penafrancia was also evaluated. Its preservation will be looked into. “It was this image which received the canonical coronation in 1924 for two criteria: antiquity and the miracles attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of Penafrancia. Concretely, we take care of the images of devotion; by doing so, we nurture, preserve, and hopefully continue to share the devotion.” Warning that commitments might crumble, he gave some advice: “Tanganing maging maimbod kita digdi sa panuga na atamanon, padanayon asin palakupon an debosyon sa Mahal na Ina asin sa Divino Rostro, kaipuhan an pagtao kan sadiri. Kun mayo an pagtao kan sadiri, mawawara an panuga, magin sa kapwa, magin sa agom, magin sa trabaho o anuman na adbokasia, yaon an pagtao kan sadiri. Kaya uya kita ngunian, ipinapanuga man an satuyang sadiri an satong panahon, an satong espwerso, an satong kakayahan. Iyo ini para kita magin totoo asin mautob ta an satong pinanindugan, an satuyang pinapanugaan. (To commit ourselves in nurturing, preserving and sharing the devotion to Ina and to the Divino Rostro, we need to give our own selves. Without the giving of self, the vow of commitment will fade, the commitment to others, to spouse, to work, or to advocacy. Thus, we are all here, making a vow, a commitment of ourselves, of our efforts, our skills and talents so we can stand by principles and fulfill our vows.) The tradition to hold a clergy recollection before the start of the novena to the Divino Rostro began during the tercentenary of the devotion in 2010, as an opportunity for introspection and to emphasize the spiritual character of the Peñafrancia Festivities.

By Fr. Eric Bobis   St. Bernard Abbot Parish in Ocampo, Camarines Sur celebrated the 16h Himuloan Festival on August 18 in line with the Parish Fiesta on August 20. Himuloan Festival was conceived in 2008 when Fr. Jaime Danilo Viola was parish priest. This event was meant to organize the tinagba, offerings from the harvest, of the parishioners that used to be gathered during Corpus Christi. To integrate the celebration to the parish fiesta and to enhance the spirit of generosity and solidarity, the parish started with the concerted effort of various sectors of Ocampo to realize the vision of communal act of sharing. The act of sharing moved the 25 barangays in Ocampo, schools, institutions, barangay pastoral councils (BPCs), religious ministries and movements, stakeholders and other civic spirited groups and individuals to unselfishly share the fruit of the land and labors. The Local Government of Ocampo has, since the beginning, eagerly collaborated with the parish in the same vision. This year there are 62 institutions and groups including non-sectarian schools, padyak operators (OPODA), and non-government organizations that filled their carts and cars with himulo (offerings). The gathered goods were shared to institutions that take care of the less fortunate. Thirty-two (32) institutions including 20 poor parishes, 4 orphanages, seminaries and institutions that cater to the poor and underprivileged received the offerings. Fr. Bernie Anthony Ramirez, parish priest, mentioned in his message that Himuloan is a communal celebration of generosity. He added that in the 16th year, offerings increased in volume, manifesting a growth of the faith life of the parishioners. One of the recipients, Fr. Frankie Eligoyo, parish priest of Santa Josefa Parish in Payak, Bato, Camarines Sur mentioned that the truckload of offerings he received on behalf of the parish shall also be shared to those who are in need of these gifts. Witnessing the beginnings of this festival, Fidela H. Malaluan, a member of the organizers mentioned that words of St. Teresa of Calcutta, “there’s no poor who has nothing to give, and no rich who has no need,” has inspired the Himuloan. She added, “This celebration has great meaning as we learn how to share. In this time when festivals often mean lavish spending, the people of Ocampo are learning to celebrate in a different way, that is to share out of generosity.” Fr. Bernie Anthony Ramirez, parish priest of St. Bernard Abott Parish in Ocampo, Camarines Sur, receives the himuloan or the offerings of the people. (Photo by Fr. Eric Bobis)

By Julma M. Narvadez Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) is inviting schools and parishes to send representatives to the 1st Annual Peñafrancia Pilgrims’ On the Spot Essay Writing Contest on September 14 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City. The contest aims to gather views and opinions on the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and this year’s centenary of the canonical coronation of the image. CCCom is the social communications arm of the Archdiocese of Caceres. According to Director Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, CCCom hopes to “scout for Church writers” through the tilt. “The entries will also serve as research materials in the years to come,” he adds. There will be two categories: English and Bikol. Each category will have two divisions. The first division is for contestants who are 16 to 19 years old. Contestants who are 20 to 25 years old will compete in the second division. The specific topic will be given to the contestants during the orientation at 9.00AM on September 14. Thereafter, they will be given two hours to compose their essays. Interested parties may proceed to their parish priests or school administration to signify their intent to join the contest. Each parish or school may send up to a maximum of two contestants per category. Contestants must register on or before September 12 through this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12mKOUcNrdEF4-tILCifE4cvIoH-ZagTDyPQwuvBISnU/edit?invite=CJSs-qIK&ts=66bd588d or by submitting the entry form at Paulines Media Center, Bagumbayan St, Naga City. By joining the competition, contestants give CCCom their consent to publish their essays, fully or partially, in any platform CCCom deems best, free of charge. They will retain their name credit at all times. The top three winners per division, per category will receive cash prizes. Camarines Sur Media practitioners convened at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore Hall on August 16, 2024 for an orientation seminar organized by the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCOM) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Camarines Sur Chapter.The orientation seminar was themed “Se Siempre La Reina, Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon, “ which aimed to prepare media practitioners for the upcoming media coverages on the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia activities. (Photo credit: Ron Enon)

By Antonette Eduardo   On August 16, 2024, media practitioners convened at the Basilica Minore Archbishop Alberto Hall for an orientation seminar organized by the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCOM) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Camarines Sur Chapter. The orientation seminar aimed to prepare media practitioners for the upcoming media coverages on the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The theme for this year’s Peñafrancia Fiesta is “Se Siempre La Reina, Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon. (Divine Inheritance: Nourish, Preserve, Share.)” The seminar began with a Welcome Address from KBP Camarines Sur Chairman Ron Enon, who emphasized the role of the media in the centenary celebrations and the significance of the seminar to better equip the media practitioners. Fr. Francis Tordilla, CCCOM Director, then led the Orientation and Introduction of Speakers. The first talk was delivered by Assistant Basilica Rector Fr. Juan Pablo Carpio, who delivered a comprehensive discussion on the centenary celebration of the canonical coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. His talk set the stage for understanding the historical context of the event. Fr. Glenn Ruiz, Chairman of the Liturgy Commission, gave an in-depth explanation of the terminologies in media religious coverage related to Traslacion and Fluvial Procession. Fr. Ruiz further emphasized the essence of these key events. His session was crucial in equipping media practitioners with the knowledge and wisdom needed for accurate and respectful reporting. The seminar concluded with the session on “Faith in Photography and Videography during Peñafrancia Fiesta coverage” and a Basic Livestreaming guide presented by Jess Romero, Ian Albao and Dadoy Bien. This final segment aimed to provide participants with tips and techniques that will enhance their technical skills, ensuring they are prepared to cover the centenary celebrations with the highest standards of professionalism. True to what Fr. Tordilla said that “Education is not simply information overload, but the change of heart,” the orientation seminar was a significant step in ensuring that media coverage of the Peñafrancia Fiesta is both informative and reverent of its religious importance.

A Celebration of Gratitude, Synodality, and Unity. On August 27, 2024 in a spirit of thanksgiving, the faithful of the diocese of Virac gathered at the Cathedral and Parish of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception for a solemn Eucharistic celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of the diocese. Presided over by His Eminence, Jose Cardinal Advincula, with the presence of Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown, Virac Bishop Luisito Occiano, Bishop - emeritus Manolo De Los Santos, Bicol Bishops and visiting Bishops, the Jubilee Mass embodied the essence of synodality and unity. (photo: Diocese of Virac)

By Julma M. Narvadez An exhibition and lecture series on the Peñafrancia devotion will highlight this year’s centenary of the canonical coronation of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The Archdiocese of Caceres, through the Commission on Ecclesiastical Museum, Library and Archive, presents a month-long exhibition titled “Ina: Power and Intimacy.” The project brief issued by the commission says that the exhibition “aims to locate significant historical events in the history of our devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. By way of curating selected artefacts relevant to the devotion, we set the goal of giving devotees and pilgrims a renewed perspective on Mary’s role as our queen and mother.” The exhibition, featuring eight stations designed by architect and visual artist Cocoi Base, will include multimedia presentations that invite reflection and interaction. “Through this exhibition, we hope to emphasize the importance of a devotee, a pilgrim, as a bearer of the devotion,” says priest-painter Fr. Nunilon Arnold F. Bancaso, Jr., head of the commission. The exhibit will run from September 8 to October 7 at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City, from Monday to Saturday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. Requests for guided tours on Sundays will need prior notice. Preceding the exhibition is a lecture series on September 6 to 8, in collaboration with the Ateneo de Naga University Press and the National Book Development Board. Speakers include Dr. Ambeth Ocampo, Dr. Filomeno Aguilar, Jr. both of Ateneo de Manila University; Dr. Maddie Yakal, University of California-Los Angeles; and Fr. Andrew Recepcion, ordained for the Archdiocese of Caceres, currently professor at the Faculty of Missiology of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. will cap the series with “The Peñafrancia Devotion A Century Hence: A Letter to 2124.”  His talk will formally open the exhibit. The lecture series is open to the public. Interested parties may contact the commission’s secretariat through the project’s fb page of the same name. The commission invites religious and civic organizations, local government units, schools and universities to visit the exhibit. General admission is Php 100.00. Students, senior citizens, persons with special needs will enjoy 50% discount upon presentation of ID. Pilgrims and devotees who wish to contribute their resources may coordinate with the Secretariat. “Their donation will help us to provide a truly memorable experience to those who will visit and participate in the exhibit and lecture series,” says Fr. Bancaso. The image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia arriving at the Metropolitan Cathedral through the Porta Mariae during the annual Traslacion Procession. (Photo credit: Fr. Nunilon Arnold F. Bancaso, Jr. )

The Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. Archbishop of Caceres, delivered his message during the gathering of Multi-Agency Cooperation Group and the Memorandum of Agreement Signing at the Legaspi Hall of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Penafrancia, Balatas Road, Naga City on August 12, 2024. “Dios marhay na hapon po sa gabos. Enot, an pagpasalamat sa presencia kan lambang saro. Bako ini aro-aldaw na nangyayari na kita, different agencies, would come together. But on a particular occasion, like Peñafrancia, which has become an annual event, we come together. Sa ibang lugar may mga Buddhist temples asin pagduman sa mga Buddhist temples you are amazed at the architecture and the religious sentiment that you experience. But you are not a Buddhist; you go there to appreciate the culture and the heritage of the people. On September, bako man sana pong Katoliko an nagdidigdi. When we come together, some of us are believers and devotees, but we come together as a people taking care of a culture and heritage of a people. But of course, this culture and heritage that we have is imminently religious and spiritual. Not all who come here are devotees. Nevertheless, we all appreciate the deep religious cultural tradition of the people of Bikol, and non-Bicolanos. I believe this is because we have come together not only as Catholics, not only as devotees, but also as a people. That is why the presence of both the church and the government and various agencies is very much a welcome event for all of us. Those of us, who are devotees, honor Our Lady, whose canonical coronation we will commemorate which happened 100 years ago. This festivities of the devotion that happens every September, which brings more than a million pilgrims and tourists, did not happen yesterday. It is a religious tradition that we have taken cared of as a people for more than three centuries, because we have celebrated already the 300 years of our devotion to Our Lady in 2010. But also because we come here as a people. Magturugang kita. Asin nadangog ta na an mga serbisyo na satuyang itatao, para sa lambang saro na mapa pasiring digdi. We care for each other because we are brothers and sisters. This is the very sentiment, I believe, na digdi kita na-oogma nin huli ta sa satong pagtarabangan, ano man saimong ahensya, ano man an saimong lado , ano man an office o department asin agency, we come together to ensure the safety of our people, the safety of devotees, the safety of the place. Everyday man, nagta-trabaho kita sa satong mga opisina, nagseserbisyo kita, pero sa aldaw na ini kan Septiembre, in a more visible manner, we come together. So that this experience which does not happen every day, the experience of people coming together to express and to share the faith, to share our common humanity, is something that we are able to witness and to see the different agencies in Naga, in the province, in the region and in the country , working together to ensure the safety of those who would come. Certainly this is something that has to be commended. This is my first time as Archbishop, to be part of this. I was part of this as an ordinary priest. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our local government headed by Mayor Nelson Legacion and Vice Mayor Nene de Asis, and our the different uniformed personnel, the different offices , the civic groups, the press, and all of you who are present here. We do our work in a particular place. But what is amazing is that the contribution of each department and of each person contributes to the whole enterprise which happen these days of the Peñafrancia. And this is something that is truly, truly amazing and something we have to be grateful for. Sa satong pagromdom sa centenary of the coronation, sa puso kaini iyo an pasasalamat. Pasasalamat huli ta padagos man kitang ina-antabayanan. Pasasalamat huli ta mayo man ibang katuyuhan ini kundi pagiromdomon kita na kita gabos magturugang. Asin an pag –uswag kan saro, pag-uswag kan gabos. An kulog nin saro,kulog kan gabos. And here, we come from different agencies and the people who come, dai ta man kabisto, dai ta man kadugo pero sa puso ta, our goal is towards assisting, to help, to assist. And that is what we call the spirit of our common humanity. Pasiring man po digdi an global direction. Kun mahiling ta po, an espwerso ta, we have a continued desire for us to be united. Dai logod kita mag-ontok na paghanapon an pagtarabangan, an paglingkod sa lambang saro so that we will truly experience the joy and the fullness of what it is to be a human person. Sa saindo po, sa satuya, sa paghiras kan expertise, paghiras kan talent and skills , duman sa agency, where we belong, we feel we are truly alive. There is meaning in the work that we do. There is meaning in the mission and in the service na ini-atang sato. Asin ining Peñafrancia is one of those moments when we all come together and contribute what has been gifted to us so that we may all enjoy the devotion, the days of the festivities knowing that we are safe, knowing that everybody is doing his best that everybody be safe and knowing that everyone is thinking about the other. And that is true devotion. When we think about others and when we give ourselves for others. Thus, in the name of the Archdiocese of Caceres, my sincerely gratitude to all of you and we invoke God’s blessings and the intercession of Ina so that the Lord will bless you, your work, your mission, your family. And may the Lord bless our city, our province and our country. Dios Mabalos po.”

Mga Katood, Madya na sa MYC 2024! The long wait is finally over! The Marian Youth Congress is back on 14-15 September 2024, and pre-registration has started. The Youth Congress is open to all Baptized Catholics in the Archdiocese of Cáceres and its Suffragan Dioceses in Bicol who are at least fifteen (15) years old on the day of the MYC. Visit the FB page of Caceres Youth Commission and click the link provided for more details and to download the MYC 2024 Registration Documents. Deadline for Pre-Registration is on Sunday, 01 September 2024 so don’t miss out on this opportunity to nourish, preserve, and share our faith and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Patroness of Bicolandia!

Caritas-Caceres (Naga), Inc. August 1, 2024 – The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair, renowned as one of the premier events during the Peňafrancia festival for showcasing innovations in business and technology, is proud to announce the grand opening of its 14th annual event. Scheduled to take place from September 12 to 23, 2024 at the Atrium of Robinsons Place, this year’s fair promises to be another exciting event for micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) as well as for visitors and pilgrims who come to Naga City for the fiesta. This year’s theme is “Negosyong Pabanalon, Padanay asin Palakupon”. Highlights of the 14th BFGTF Trade Fair: Over 100 Exhibitors from Other Parts of the Bicol Region and the Country: Featuring a diverse array of MSMEs, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest products and services from other parts of Bicol and the country. The fair will also feature entertainment, trainings, raffle, product demonstrations and eucharistic celebrations on Sundays. Innovative Workshops and Panels: Engage in hands-on learning and discussions with industry experts on cutting-edge topics such as sustainable development, and digital transformation. Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, potential partners, and industry leaders to forge new relationships and collaborations. JOBS Fair: for the first time, a Jobs Fair will be held within the BFGTF to provide platform for job seekers or to provide linkages with other entrepreneurs. “We are thrilled to bring together such a diverse and dynamic group of exhibitors and attendees for this year’s fair,” said Rev. Fr. Marcel Emmanuel DP. Real, BFGTF Project Director and Executive Director of Caritas Caceres, the Social Action Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres. “The BFGTF Trade Fair has always been about innovation and collaboration, and we are confident that the 14th edition will exceed expectations and drive meaningful progress across industries,” said DTI Provincial Director Jay Percival Ablan. Caritas-Caceres, the Social Action Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Department of Trade and Industry – Camarines Sur are the organizers of the BFGTF. They have been supported by the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the provincial LGU, and municipal LGUs of the province of Camarines Sur as well as other private businesses like Julia Ads, 3GX and Sonaba Events & Catering. The BFGTF Trade Fair has a rich history of facilitating business growth and fostering innovation. Since its inception, the fair has grown exponentially, attracting visitors and exhibitors. This year’s fair is expected to draw an even larger crowd, with over a hundred attendees anticipated. Event Details: Dates: September 19 to 23, 2024; Mall Hours Venue: The Atrium of Robinsons Place, Diversion Road corner Almeda Highway, Barangay Triangulo, Naga City About BFGTF Trade Fair: The BFGTF Trade Fair is an annual event dedicated to promoting business growth and advancement, The first BFGTF was held on September 2010 during the commemoration of the Tercentenary of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Since then, it has become a regular feature during the annual Peňafrancia fiesta. By providing a platform for MSMEs to showcase their products and innovations and connect with key industry players, the fair plays a crucial role in driving the local economic development and fostering partnerships. For more information, or to register as an exhibitor please contact the BFGTF Secretariat (Ms. Cherry Kimson) at 09175461650. Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD, Archbishop of Caceres (seated at the center) joined the organizers of the 14th Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair 2024 and the members of the local media for a group photo after the Press Conference held at the Robinsons Place on August 7. Archbishop Alarcon gave a message during the press conference. (Photo by Maricel Pomares)

By Myrna S. Bermudo Amid negativities and difficulties in religious life,  consecratedpersons must not be bogged down;  instead (they should) seek life, value life and be witness to what St. Ireneus said:  ‘the glory of God is man fully alive.’ This was the reminder of Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, DD, Archbishop of Caceres to the Association of the Communities of Consecrated Life in Caceres (ACCLIC). He said that  living out the religious vows must not be static. It has to be dynamic and enthusiastic.“Is there still life in our consecrated life? If there is no more life in our ‘Vita Consecrata’, there will be no joy and no excitement. Just dull compliance of the vows and dull performance of our mission,” the Archbishop warned.    “We must remind ourselves that religious life is not easy. It is not also impossible. But it is not easy. If religious life were easy, there is no need to make the vows. A vow is valuable because we undertake something that is not very easy. Embracing the vow means dying to oneself, “ Alarcon said.The Archbishop  reminded  the members of ACCLIC  that being alive also means embracing the religious vows. “When we embrace the vows it is an exercise of freedom.  It is not a restriction.  We made that choice. That is a continuous exercise of freedom,” he added. In conclusion, Alarcon said:  “Vows are expressions of love. They are not just to discipline us. To follow the Lord in chastity, poverty and obedience is to freely follow Christ and to love the Lord. It is to follow  freely the Lord’s command to love: to love God and love our neighbor.”ACCLIC gathered for a holy mass on August 3 at Mary Coredemptrix Church, San Felipe, Naga City for an advance birthday celebration of  Archbishop Alarcon.ACCLIC’s Central, Rinconada and Partido Clusters rendered intermission numbers to greet the Archbishop whose 54th birthday was on August 6. Representatives from each community got their chance to meet and greet him.They also elected their new officers whose term of office will from August 2024 to January 2025.The new officers are: Sr. Agnes Cardino, OP, Chairman; Fr. Jose Maria Bombita, SOLT, Vice Chairman for Men Religious; Sr. Blanca Ortiz, SDeM, Vice Chairperson for Women Religious;  Sr. Ely Nasol, DM, Secretary; Fr. Martin Licup, SJ, Treasurer. The ACCLIC family congratulated the new cluster coordinators namely: Br. Ricardo Guevarra for Central District, Sr. Eleanor Amante, SPC for Partido District and Sr. Vanise Mariel Ocera, DSA, for Rinconada District.Alarcon thanked the consecrated men and women in the Archdiocese for their presence and their service. “Thank you for your charisms and for your witnessing.  It is a  proof of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church.”Mentioning that one of the struggles of living as a consecrated person is living in a community, he also added  that gathering  a community of communities is more  challenging. “This goes to show that we are a synodal church. We are trying to respond to the call of  the Holy Father for a Synodal Church,” he said.ACCLIC is an association of 7 men religious congregations and 23 women religious in the Archdiocese of Caceres.   “To be a Synodal Church is a loaded invitation, if we take it to heart,” Alarcon said. “The Holy Father said that it is not only the  individual  that needs conversion but the Church needs conversion. The papacy needs conversion, the curia needs conversion, the episcopal conference needs conversion, thereligious congregations need conversion. We need conversion. There is much in the things that we do, in the ways we behave that need to be changed. We need to change those things and ways  that do not encourage and does not attract the people of today to the Lord. “The archbishop made these statements in his homily in a thanksgiving mass during his birthday celebration organized by ACCLIC.