The liturgy this Sunday includes the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. Saint Paul understands our baptism is a participation in Christ’s Paschal Mystery—his passion, death, and resurrection (and our own future resurrection)—the center of our Faith. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom 6:3-5; see also 1 Cor 15:13-14). During the Renewal of Baptismal Promises, we are asked to reject the person of Satan who desires through his works and his deceptions to unseat God’s place in our lives. And thus, we are asked to accept, profess, and renew our belief in God, in whose name we were baptized (cf Mt 28:19): in our Father who created us, in the Son who redeemed us, and in the Holy Spirit whose works sanctified us. Once a year, together as a Church we renew the promises we made during our baptism. Some of us were too young to make and remember those promises so, our parents helped us in everything, as was expected of them, including those matters of Faith. After all, no one is too young to be admitted into God’s universal family! For, even in the Old Testament, eight day-old babies were admitted into God’s covenant family (cf Gen 17:11-12). Saint John’s Epistle gives us another reason to celebrate and rejoice in our baptism: “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1) #Easter #BaptismalPromise

This Black Saturday we enter into the mystery. Today we contemplate Jesus, there in the tomb, dead. In that tomb, he is dead, exactly the way each of us will be dead. Death is our ultimate fear. Our lives are limited. Our existence is coming to an end. We will all die. In a matter of time, all that will be left of any of us is a decomposing body. To contemplate Jesus' body, there in that tomb, is to look our death in the face. As we behold the body of Jesus in the tomb today, and as we contemplate the mystery of our death, we prepare our hearts to receive the Good News of life. We know that tomb will be empty and remain empty forever as a sign that our lives will not really end, but only be transformed. One day, we will all rest in the embrace of Jesus, who knows our death, and who prepares a place for us in everlasting life. #BlackSaturday #Caceres #Hinulid

The forecast of stormy weather conditions last Saturday, March 24, 2018 failed to dampen the spirits of six hundred nineteen cycling enthusiasts from all over the province during the Bisikleta Iglesia. Initiated by the Archdiocese Commission on Vocations and several Biker groups, the route encompasses all 120 kilometres encircling Mount Isarog, from Naga City going through the towns of Pili, Ocampo, Tigaon, Goa, Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon and Magarao. Intended to be a spiritual activity for bikers, the activity included stopping at different churches along the way to pray the Stations of the Cross. With a special blessing from Archbishop Rolando Tirona at the beginning of the activity and led by Fr. Jay Jacinto of the Commission on Vocations, it was not just a physical endeavor but also a spiritual exercise for the participants. For a first-timer like me, it was an intimidating but nonetheless exciting challenge. In my heart, even though I knew I would not be able to complete the task, I knew there was no harm in giving it a try. The entire journey perhaps was an allegorical reference to life--we're all like pilgrims on a bike, navigating the road's ups and downs. Armed with sheer guts, the trip on two wheels brought me as far as the Church of St. Claire of Assissi in Tigaon-- not bad, I surmised, for weekend warriors like me and my friends, whose hectic work schedules restrict us from participating in regular physical training. The trip was replete with memorable buwis-buhay moments that not only gave us a cardiovascular beating but also lessons to keep for a lifetime. Admittedly, it was at first wanderlust that got the better of me. I have not been to the Eastern side of Mount Isarog and was curious about the road that connected the Bay area and Partido side of Bicol. Not being familiar with the topography of the place was my first mistake, I underestimated the road and overstimated my own physical endurance. The first lesson learned was humility: one has to know one's limits and accept them in order to move on and move forward. Second mistake was not giving the road the respect that it deserves. The path included national highways which we shared with six-wheeler trucks and big buses. A slight miscalculation on my part brought about by inattention caused me to veer and swerve to the right, knocking off another rider, almost sending her flying into a ditch. In no time did fellow bikers help us back to our feet and called for medical attention. Without hesitation, they fixed our damaged bikes and so notwithstanding the injuries sustained, we carried on with hopeful hearts albeit with slightly bruised egos. Lesson learned, God loves us so much that he sends us angels in the form of our fellow men to keep us out of harm's way. God's love is manifest in human kindness. Slightly shaken by the impact of our fall and also because our non-athletic stamina has already been depleted, we decided to ride on the back of the pick-up trucks the rest of the way. From this vantage point, we were treated to stunning views of the countryside of Camarines Sur. From the peaceful greens of the ricefields of Ocampo, the hills of Tinambac reminiscent of the beauty of Baguio, to the mountainside with glimpses of the great blue Pacific ocean, we witnessed the grandeur of Mother Nature. God's love is manifest in the beauty of His creation. All the while, we tried to keep a solemn disposition, even with excitement sometimes taking over us. With the booklets that were provided, we participated in the Stations of the Cross and said our silent prayers in each and every church along the way. I was in awe of the beauty of the churches, some of them dating back to the Spanish era. These man-made structures seemingly stand as reflections of the human aspiration to recreate the majesty of God's kingdom. Midway in our journey, the Sacrament of Reconciliation was offered at the Church of St. John the Baptist, Goa. God's love is manifest in the Church and her sacraments. All in all, despite the exhaustion from biking for several hours and the pain from overused muscles, we went home with lessons to keep for a lifetime. Our bodies weak yet our spirits toughened, we felt greatly blessed. It was a reminder that despite our arrogance and human frailties, we are deeply cared for by a God who loves us so much. Despite our weaknesses, He gives us strength to sustain us until the end of our journeys. In spite of our wickedness, He Himself sacrificed for us in His journey through Calvary. The journey was a sacrifice, willingly made and given. After all, sacrifice is but another name for love. God’s immense love for mankind is manifest in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. After all, the story of Lent is a story of love. The logo of the activity shows a biker carrying a cross on his back. Reflective of a man going through the journey of life, we all have our crosses to bear but only if borne with great love do our sufferings become more meaningful. Only then do we become more Christlike as we aspire to imitate our Lord in the selflessness of His Passion. #BisikletaIglesia #PiaKatrinaTorres

Holy Thursday. Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona celebrated Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Tigaon, Camarines Sur. The Archbishop washed the feet of twelve inmates as part of the ritual in the liturgy. The archbishop explained in his homily the three gifts of this Thursday that lead to hope: The Priesthood, the Eucharist and Love. He emphasised that it is in the encounter with Jesus that we learn to love one another and to hope always in life. Fr. Jay Aguilar, chairman of the Caceres Ministry on Prison Welfare acknowledged the fatherly support of the Archbishop to the Prison Ministry. #BJMP #HolyThursday #WashingoftheFeet #TriaTirona #Tiirona #Loveoneanother #prisonministry #Caceres

Cycling in Lent has found its new form in Bisikleta Iglesia. Pedaling takes the new challenge, not only completing 360 degree around Mt. Isarog in 120 KM route, but now it has become a visitation to 15 Churches with the prayers of the Way of the Cross and sacramental confession. Organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres, hundreds of cycling enthusiasts in Camarines Sur flocked on the Saturday before the Holy Week to join Bisikleta Iglesia. Six hundrerd ninteen (619) registered in the event including women, youth and cycling hobbyist. Fr. Jay Jacinto, Chairman of the Commission on Vocations claims that this activity is so far the largest Bisikleta Iglesia organized in the country. He prays that this may be an occasion for the young to discover vocations. #BisikletaIglesia #ArchdioceseofCaceres #Cycling #Digdigon

The Archdiocese of Caceres honored priests who celebrate their Jubilee as priest during in the celebration of Chrism Mass at Naga Cathedral. The priests received a plaque of appreciation from the Archbishop and a gift as token of appreciation for the dedicated service in the ministry. Among the jubilarians is Fr. Danilo Imperial, 70 years old, who celebrates 45th Year in the priesthood. He received the longest applause in the congregation. Fr Imperia resides at the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Though considered retired in the ministry, Fr Imperial took the role as Vice President for Academic and Students Affairs and still works as senior consultant of the University of Nueva Caceres. Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona gave the appreciation to the priests and asked the lay faithful to pray for all the priests. For the List of Jubilarian priests, here is the list: 5 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 2013 Fr. Ace D. Baracena Fr. Sharnsky C. Cama Fr. James Raymond A. Cortez Fr. Armand Christian M. Ortinero Fr. Ramel L. Pajenago Fr. Edward P. Pletado Fr. Emmanuel D. Quiros Fr. Ronaldo T. Tud Fr. Fermin P. Valiente Jr 10 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 2008 Fr. Nunilon Arnold F. Bancaso Jr. Fr. Neil A. Bengosta Fr. Ricardo T. Bismonte Fr. Arnold B. Bolima Fr. Franklin SA. Navera Fr. Denver B. Tino Fr. Joe-Nelo P. Penino 15 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 2003 Fr. Felix S. Abaño Jr. Fr. Philip Francis R. Bersabe Fr. Felipe B. Culvera III Fr. Eugene A. Lubigan Fr. Joseph C. Olin Fr. Rhoeden V. Regalario Fr. Darius S. Romualdo Fr. Santiago M. Turiano Jr. 20 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 1998 Fr. Rex Luis L. Hidalgo Fr. Glenn C. Ruiz 25 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 1993 Fr. Noel Emmanuel P. Alforte Fr. Romeo G. Donacao Fr. Vicente Luis F. Llagas Fr. Nonito Jesus S. Barra Fr. Arnel A. Estrella Fr. Felix Martin A. Penetrante 30 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD – March 1988 Fr. Rico D. Eclar 35 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD - 1983 Msgr. Noe P. Badiola, P.C. Fr. Rogelio S. Largoza Fr. Jose B. Oh Pimentel 40 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD – March 5, 1978 Msgr. Juan R. Celzo, P.C. 45 YEARS IN PRIESTHOOD – March 8, 1973 Fr. Danilo T. Imperial #ArchdioceseofCaceres #Jubilarians #ChrismMass #DaniloImperial

Archbishop Rolando Tirona presided over the Chrism Mass on Thursday in the Archdiocese of Caceres attended by hundreds of priests the lay people at the Cathedral in Naga City. In his homily, the Archbishop emphasized the role of the clergy as proclaimers of the cross of Christ. He mentioned that the cross marks the identity of a priest, of his love and his sacrifice. As priests renewing the ordinations promises, the Archbishop emphasized to the clergy that renewal is a way going back to the source and force of priestly identity, that is, entering into the very heart of Christ. Jubilarians for this year 2018 were recognized in the Mass and new assignments of priests were also announced publicly. Chrism mass is a celebration of the Priesthood of Christ in the Holy Week where oils are blessed for the use in the celebrations of the sacraments throughout the year. #ChrismMass #proclaimersoftheCross #ArchdioceseofCaceres #Lent2018

The Archdiocese of Caceres announced new assignments of priests during the Chrism Mass of the Holy Thursday at Naga Cathedral. The announcement of new assignments covers posts of parish priests, parochial vicars, administrators and missions to other Dioceses where the Archdiocese hold Mission Cooperation Program. PAROCHIAL VICARS: EFFECTIVE JUNE 18, 2018 1. Fr. Nunilon Arnold F. Bancaso, Jr. - St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco, Naga City 2. Fr. Abenson C. Martinez - St. Mary Magdalene, Bula, Cam. Sur 3. Fr. Beda I. Martirez - St. Anthony of Padua, Iriga City 4. Fr. Franklin SA. Navera - Our Lady of La Porteria, Calabanga, Cam. Sur 5. Fr. Ruben B. Temporal - St. Francis of Assisi, Buhi, Cam. Sur 6. Fr. Larry C. Nagales - St. Anthony of Padua, Camaligan, Cam. Sur 8. Fr. Francis A. Tordilla - St. Jude Thaddeus, Concepcion Grande, Naga City 9. Fr. John Anthon A. Valencia - Holy Cross, Nabua, Cam. Sur 10. Fr. Alfeo E. Catura - St. Joseph, San Jose, Cam. Sur EFFECTIVE JUNE 18, 2018 11. Fr. Rolando B. Canonce - St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco, Naga City PARISH PRIESTS: EFFECTIVE JUNE 18, 2018 1. Fr. Danilo V. Arnante - St. Teresa of Avila, San Vicente, Baao, Cam. Sur 2.Fr.Philip Francis R. Bersabe - Our Lady of Katipanan, Paloyon, Nabua, Cam. Sur 3. Fr. Edmundo F. Caballero Jr. - Sta. Maria Josefa, Payak, Bato, Cam. Sur 4. Fr. Sharnsky C. Cama - St. Anthony Abbot, Tapayas, Balatan, Cam. Sur 5. Fr. Romeo G. Donacao - Our Lady of La Porteria, Calabanga, Cam. Sur 6. Fr. Misael E. Quindo - Our Lady of the Assumption, Canaman, Cam. Sur 7. Fr. Rex R. Ramos - St. Vincent Ferrer, Ombao, Polpog, Bula, Cam. Sur 8. Fr. Glenn C. Ruiz - St. Anthony of Padua, Camaligan, Cam. Sur 9. Fr. Paul Martino B. Tirao - St. Jude Thaddeus, San Nicolas, Iriga City 10. Fr. Ronaldo T. Tud - St. Anthony of Padua, Siruma, Cam. Sur 11. Fr. Nelson D. Zaballa - St. Anthony of Padua, Presentacion, Cam. Sur 12. Fr. Erwin B. Bismonte - St. Francis of Assisi, Himaao, Pili, Cam. Sur 13. Fr. Pedro Edgardo N. de la Rosa - Divine Mercy, Paolbo, Calabanga, Cam. Sur PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: EFFECTIVE JUNE 18, 2018 14. Jose B. Oh Pimentel - Holy Cross, Tabuco, Naga City RESIDENT PRIEST: EFFECTIVE APRIL 2, 2018 15. Fr. Danilo F. Tuason - Our Lady of Fatima, San Isidro, Iriga City FOR MISSION TO OTHER DIOCESES 1. Fr. Cresencio A. Abinal Jr - Diocese of Montego Bay, Jamaica 2. Fr. Eugenio Niño T. Mirandilla - Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines 3. Fr. Edward P. Pletado - Archdiocese of Castries, St. Lucia 4. Fr. Denver B. Tino - Archdiocese of Castries, St. Lucia 5.Fr. Vicente F. Luis Llagas -Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA 6.Fr. Edmundo S. Siguenza - Diocese of Green Bay Wisconsin, USA 7. Fr. Felix S. Abaño Jr - Diocese of Green Bay Wisconsin, USA 8. Fr. Vincent A. Yee-Concepcion - Diocese of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA #Chitollagas #ArchdioceseofCaceres #PastoralAssignment

Archbishop Tirona visited Butauanan Island in Siruma, Camarines Sur on the vespera of the Feast of Saint Joseph in Sitio Laog. Traveling Twenty minutes by boat from the parish in Tandoc Siruma, Archbishop was welcomed by locals of the island with cheers and warm respect. Archbishop Tirona celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the locals. Forty five persons received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop’s hands. The archbishop also dropped by the Barangay Proper of the Island and was given the another welcome with much excitement of the people. Michael Benavides, Punong Barangay of the Island, expressed his joy, saying that all their sacrifices of preparations seemed to have all its fruits with the joy to see and meet the Archbishop. The locals remember the last pastoral visit of Archbishop Alberto in 1974. The Archbishop expressed his joy als well of visiting island communities and he eagerly welcomed locals to get selfies for photo souvenirs. #Butauanan #Confirmation #ArchdioceseofCaceres

Bicol Bishops gathered in Virac Catanduanes last March 13, 2018, for the first meeting in the year 2018 to discuss plans and issues in Bicol Church. Archbishop Tirona presided over the meeting where plans on the 3rd Bicol Priests Congress and the status and plans for Metropolitan Judicial Tribunal were discussed. The Bicol Bishops are (from left to right in photo) Bishop Joel Baylon of Legazpi, Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of Caceres, Bishop Manolo de los Santos of Virac, Bishop Jose Rojas of Libmanan, Fr. Ronald Anthony Timoner, administrator of Daet, and Bishop Jose Bantolo of Masbate. Bishop Manolo de los Santos hosted the meeting at Armena Resort in Virac. #Caceres #Bishops #Virac #Meeting #Bicol #BicolPriests #Congress

The Family Ministry of the Archdiocese of Caceres spearheaded the March for Life Bicol 2018 last March 10, 2018. Ms. Rosa Linda Valenzona (ECFL - Consultant), gave a talk at the Peñafrancia Parish Shrine. Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, presided over the Mass before the march where he highlighted three important points in life: Acceptance, Adoration and Action for those who advocate for the sanctity of life. Fr. William Santiago, Director of the Family Ministry in Caceres, expressed his joy for the wide and active participation of the faithful especially the youth. Participants marched with their slogans & banners in one voice - "Sa Lindong kan Dios Buhay kan Gabos Padagos". #Family #Ministry #Caceres #Tirona #Life #Death