By JEAlbia 11 November – In Taiwan today, work and school cancellation announcements make the headlines as the country braces for Typhoon Fung-wong, which just barrelled through the Philippines over the weekend. TaiwanPlus Newsreport of farmers in the southern region of the country scrambling to harvest their crops in advance. In Hualien, the county that suffered massive flooding just in September, households talk about the pain and exhaustion of rebuilding their homes and spaces after the disaster and what the new storm might bring.  Their sighs and worries echo the same cries of many in the motherland, except perhaps for a distinct difference: the frustrated tone over a rotten system. The Philippines’ capacity to withstand shocks, climate-related disasters included, is weakened by what seems to be a collective systemic failure: poor zonal/urban planning because of careless local leadership, subpar flood control projects, pervasive corruption that has facilitated destruction of natural ecosystems rather than its protection and rehabilitation, and an electorate that does not seem to learn their lesson time and again, amongst a host of other things.  What traps us in this vicious cycle of poverty and wicked systems? One questions: If this is our collective reality, should we then not have a collective vision that ought to drive us to collective action?  The role of the Church stands ever more important in these times. It is not a mere institution that dispenses the sacraments; it is a community of believers who share in the prophetic mission of standing up to social injustice and wicked systems. This same community is likewise compelled to share in the kingly ministry of stewardship of our land and the service of others.   The invitation for us is simple, captured in philosopher Gabriel Marcel’s words: I hope in Thee for us. We are called to communion, reminded of our shared reality and as such, of a shared hope anchored on our relationship with the One Absolute Thee, God. This shared hope compels us to share in the continued and tireless fight against injustice, corruption and wicked systems, in protecting our land and His creations, and in the compassionate service to our neighbours especially the last, the least and the lost. In Taiwan where Christians remain the minority, these are not religious teachings yet are taught as social precepts and become part of the cultural psyche. Perhaps this is where the missing piece of the puzzle lies. May these reminders of our faith pervade in the humdrum of our days, not only during the storms – literal and figurative – of our lives.

By Myrna Bermudo St. Carlo Acutis, the newly canonized Millennial Saint, was chosen as the patron saint and model of holiness by Christ the King Parish Social Communications Ministry (CKP SOCOMM) in Palestina, Pili, with Arjay Recaña as President and Fr. Emil Valeza, Parish Priest. “He is our patron and inspiration in serving God through the media,” the Parish-based social media group said.  A triduum mass was celebrated on Oct. 9-11 in preparation for Acutis' feast on Oct. 12, Sunday. Twenty-two members were installed.  To prepare for the said event, a two-day training seminar was conducted last Sept 28 - Oct 5.  Born on May 3, 1991 in London and raised in Milan, Acutis grew up like many young people playing video games, programming computers and exploring the internet. Yet, he had an extraordinary soul deeply in love with Jesus Christ, especially with the Holy Eucharist. Carlo attended mass daily, prayed the rosary faithfully and spent hours in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.  His motto, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven,” reflected the center of his spiritual life. Carlo also used his talent to create a website cataloging church-verified eucharistic miracles around the world. He showed kindness, helped the needy and his lonely classmates.  Acutis died of leukemia on October 12, 2006. He was only 15. He was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020 and was canonized on 7 September 2025. Asked why they have chosen St. Carlo as their patron, Recaña said: “We have chosen St. Carlo Acutis as our patron saint because he represents what it truly means to use [social] media for God’s glory. Just like our mission, St. Carlo showed that technology and social media can be powerful tools in sharing God’s love and spreading the Gospel. His life reminds us that holiness is possible even in the digital world. Through his example, we are inspired to make God’s presence felt in every post, photo and story we share.”

By Kirstie Kaye S. Tino About 800 Catechists from the different parishes and vicariates of the Archdiocese of Caceres came together at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia for the annual Catechists’ Congress last Monday, Oct 6. The morning session featured a plenary talk by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, who, guided by the theme “ Katekista: Paratukdo, pasiring sa Simbahan na nagkakasararo ,” reflected on the Catechist as a  Paratukdo , a lifelong learner and disciple eager to grow in faith and understanding, especially through continuing formation.  Pasiring is the ongoing process of conversion and renewal and  Simbahan  is the  banwaan nin Diyos , a community of faith where everyone participates and teaches by example.  Makikisumaro is   the call to accompany others through presence and good works, reminding the Catechists that the most powerful catechesis comes from witnessing. The Congress also introduced a new and meaningful way of listening and communicating, known as the Spiritual Conversations. More than 130 breakout groups were formed. Catechists prayed together, shared stories and listened to one another in the spirit of synodality. This activity invited them to reflect deeply on their mission as educators of the faith. Through this, the Congress became a moment of encounter, reflection and shared discernment, truly embodying the spirit of a Church journeying together in unity and mission. The gathering concluded with a eucharistic celebration presided over by Caceres Catechetical Ministry Director, Rev. Fr. Juan Pablo Z. Carpio, and with the conferment of service awards to Catechist Jubilarians.

By Myrna Bermudo The Episcopal Commission on Social Communications held a simple turnover ceremony last Tuesday, October 7, as a new chapter in leadership begins come December 2025. Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres is set to succeed outgoing Chairman Bishop Marcelino Maralit, Jr. of Laguna as head of the said Commission.  Addressing the participants of the Catholic Media Network General Assembly, Alarcon said he accepts his new role as a learner. "I come to learn from you and be inspired by you. I am willing to be taught." The Caceres prelate also recognized the great work of Maralit and paid tribute to him as well as to the dedicated staff of the Commission.  The said General Assembly was held in San Pablo, Laguna on October 6-8.  The Catholic Media Network is composed of 48 Catholic Radio stations all over the country, dedicated to promote new evangelization and holistic human development through community-based broadcasting.  According to Alarcon, the role of Catholic radio stations is still very much important in spreading the Good News today. "Our work in the Catholic radio is to give voice to the voiceless and allow God's voice to be heard. May we hear God's voice clearer, so when we speak, we also speak God's voice, which will transform us," he added.  During the 130th Plenary Assembly in Bohol, the Catholic Bishops of the country elected its new officers and Chairmen for its Commissions. Newly elected Bishops will serve from December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2027. Maralit will assume Alarcon's previous role as head of the Commission on Youth.

By Lilette P. Manauis Four seminarians were ordained to the sacred order of Deacons in a solemn ceremony at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City last October 10, 2025. Sem. Mark Christian Estrebello Degracia and Sem. Marx Karl Azur Bergado both of the Parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Balatan, Camarines Sur, Sem. Mark Kevin Valera Alba of the Parish of St. Rose of Lima, Anayan, Pili, Camarines Sur and Sem. Jesua Folloso Mortega of the Parish of St. Raphael the Archangel, Pili, Camarines Sur were ordained deacons by the Most Reverend Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres. Presented by Rev. Fr. Joey Gonzaga, Rector of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, the Archbishop acknowldeged the milestone that the 4 theologians have reached in their formation. Emphasizing that the ordination to the deaconate "is not a reward but a gift no one is worthy of however given gratuitously by the Lord," Archbishop Alarcon imparted his guidance to the newly ordained deacons. In his homily he gave them 3 counsels: first he admonished them to "resist the temptation of being entitled." Second he told them to remember that "the diaconate is a gift to the church and not your own possession." And finally he urged them "to exercise your ministry with gratitude." The Archbishop further reminded them of the words they placed in their invitation which according to him describes the diaconal ministry: "You are called not to be served, but to serve," and that as deacons they are the servants of the altar, the Gospel, and of the poor. The basilica was filled with family, friends, and members of the faithful who gathered to witness the said solemn occasion. The four deacons will spend allotted time in immersed pastoral ministry. Part of their roles are assisting priests at Mass, preaching, celebrating baptism, solemnizing marriage and offering prayers for the dead.

NEW ZEALAND - The Diocese of Christchurch recently celebrated its 10th year of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. A fluvial procession was held at the Lytellton Harbour on Sept 20, which was attended by Fr. Rex Ramos of the Archdiocese of Caceres, currently on loan to the aforementioned Diocese. A Eucharistic celebration was held 21 September at the Catholic Cathedral at eleven in the morning coinciding with the Peñafrancia celebration in Naga City. The Philippine Chaplaincy of the Diocese of Christchurch in New Zealand extended the invitation to the event in their social media account. Ten years ago, the late Fr. Benito Velasco, a priest of the Archdiocese of Caceres who was on loan to the Diocese of Christchurch, introduced the religious celebration for Filipinos across Christchurch and Canterbury. Actively organizing the annual festivities are the members of the Bicol Express Community of Canterbury. The Peñafrancia Festivities ignited the hearts and spirits of the Filipino community in Christchurch and Canterbury. More devotees gather yearly to honor the Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia . (Photo credit: Bicol Express Community of Canterbury)

By CBCP News Catholic dioceses across Bicol appealed Friday, Sept 26, for help to communities in Masbate devastated by Typhoon Opong, urging parishioners to contribute through second collections and relief drives. The Diocese of Legazpi said its special collection, set for Sept. 28 and including anticipated Masses on Saturday, will be sent through diocesan channels to the Diocese of Masbate “as early as we can.” “By giving generously, you are directly helping our brothers and sisters in Masbate who are struggling with loss, damage, and disruption caused by the storm,” the diocese said in a statement. It urged the faithful to respond “in faith and solidarity,” saying contributions would “bring hope and concrete help where it is most needed.”  Bishop Hernando Abcede of Daet likewise directed all parishes and quasi-parishes in his diocese to hold second collections Sunday.  “The proceeds of this collection will be sent to the Diocese of Masbate to assist them in their recovery and rebuilding efforts,” he said.  The Diocese of Sorsogon also appealed for support, calling on the faithful, religious groups, and parishes to extend assistance.  Caritas Sorsogon listed immediate needs, including food, bottled water, shelter materials, hygiene kits, medical supplies, clothing, and footwear. Donations in cash and in kind are being accepted at parish drop-off points across the province, including the Sorsogon Cathedral and churches in Gubat, Irosin, Bulan and Pilar. Caritas Sorsogon also opened a command center at the OLPS Auditorium. Opong made its first landfall over San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, late Thursday evening as a typhoon before hitting Masbate twice Friday as a severe tropical storm. It later struck Romblon and Oriental Mindoro. \ In Masbate, churches, homes and livelihoods were damaged, forcing thousands to evacuate. Across Bicol, dioceses opened churches to shelter evacuees.  The Diocese of Virac said more than 450 people stayed in at least 11 parish and mission churches in Catanduanes. In Camarines Sur, the Archdiocese of Caceres reported nearly 4,000 evacuees in at least 20 churches. “Let us continue to pray for everyone’s safety and for the swift recovery of our communities,” the archdiocese said.

By Arnel Glenn Regino Each year the feast of Our Lady of Peñafancia is celebrated by Filipinos, not just by Bicolanos, throughout the world. A particular place where it is celebrated in the United States of America is Phoenix, Arizona. This started about 25 years ago, when the image of “Ina” was brought to Phoenix by a local of Naga City. Her image was then first housed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chandler, Arizona. In 2017, a new Church was built in Chandler and her image was transferred to the St. Juan Diego Catholic Church.  Each year, a 9-day novena is observed and masses are celebrated in honor of Our Lady. On her feast day, hundreds of devotees come to celebrate. A rosary procession is held in the Church grounds, after which, a mass is concelebrated by a number of Filipino priests in the Diocese of Phoenix. This year’s feast day mass was celebrated on Sept. 20 by Bishop James Wall of Gallup, New Mexico -born and raised in Arizona.  Of course, the celebration is not complete without a reception   after the mass, where devotees bring and share native Filipino food with all the attendees - lechon, adobo, laing , and  lumpia  among others.  In addition, young Filipinos showcase their talents during the social gathering, by dancing to and singing Filipino songs.  Each year is a celebration worth remembering. It is a time for Filipinos, not just Bicolanos, to celebrate “Ina”, whose intercession many miracles have been attributed to.

For the past 32 years, the Philippine Bicol Association of British Columbia (PBABC) and Saint Patrick’s Parish has been blessed to host the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  It all began in 1992 when then Bishop Jose Sorra of Virac, Catanduanes visited Vancouver and celebrated a mass at St Andrew's Church. He encouraged the community to keep their faith alive by celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The following year, in 1993, the first official celebration was held at St Patrick's Parish, after a 9-day novena. More than 150 Bicolanos and friends gathered at Fantasy Gardens in Richmond for a solemn procession through its beautiful grounds, followed by a sumptuous reception.  The first image of “Ina” was donated by a group of Isabelinas, led by Elizabeth Valenciano Cruz. They also initiated the Home Visitation program which continues year-round until today. “Ina” visits families throughout the year for a 9-day novena with each family. In 2002, a new image was donated by Jose Arellano and family. 2 years later, in 2004, the crown was donated by Mario Garchitorena and family. The installation and consecration were officiated by Bishop Prospero Arellano of Libmanan, who was assisted by Fr. Juan Sabas also from Libmanan. In attendance too were Fr. Domingo Cedo, Fr. Amador Abundo and Fr. Vicente Borre. Today, the new image “Ina” is enshrined in the chapel of St. Patrick’s Church, offering devotees the opportunity to visit and pray to her throughout the year.  A group of resolute PBABC devotees and voyadores, now serving as members of the Association’s Religious Committee, faithfully oversees the preparation of the caro and annual festivities.  Each year, other members of the Association also contribute through gifts such as a new manto, fresh floral arrangements, novena pamphlets, and candles -all of which enrich and uphold the solemnity of the devotion. Bicolano priests (Fr. Abundo, Fr. Nuñez and Fr. Reyes) celebrate the mass with the Parish Priest of St. Patrick Church. The eucharistic celebration is graced by the hymns of the Bicol Choir. Our festivities carried on with unwavering spirit, even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Through novena prayers on Zoom and a mass attended by 50 devoted participants, we remained united in faith while honoring social distancing guidelines.  Indeed, nothing could dim the light of our devotion and togetherness. To this day, the 9-day novena here in Vancouver commences a day prior to the actual Friday Traslacion in Naga City, Bicol, in order to align with the official celebrations. Members of the PBABC and devotees of “Ina” joyfully continue the tradition with every annual feast celebrated with a procession and a mass. A community potluck gathers everyone for a feast of faith, family and friendship among Bicolanos and their loved ones in British Columbia. Come November 7, the PBABC will celebrate its 35th anniversary. One the Association’s milestone is its share in propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

“As we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia today, we stand with those going out to the streets to protest against corruption.” These were the words of Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo of Sorsogon as he addressed devotees at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia last Sunday, Sept 21, Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  Coinciding with the Trillion Peso March, Dialogo said that the Philippine Church does not remain silent as the country continues to battle its many social ills. “Its Bishops and priests are one in heeding the call of the nation today.” He also enumerated concrete pastoral steps that the Church does as it guides the faithful in truth and moral integrity; which includes conscience formation. In addition, Dialogo underscored the role of the Catholic Church in social transformation. “The Church calls everyone to conversion and must open doors for repentance,“ he said. “Mercy does not mean silence; rather, being merciful means teaching what is right and true.”  Themed “Our Lady of Peñafrancia: Mother to all”, the Sorsogon Bishop also contemplated on the motherhood of Mary, who, he says, is a Mother of Hope in the midst of social injustices that seem to reflect the fall of man in the story found in the book of Genesis.  Despite sin, Dialogo said, God’s promise of redemption unfolds through Mary, whose example calls us to renewal, justice and mercy.  “Like the disciple who took Mary into his home, we are invited to let Mary dwell in our hearts, in our families and in our homes.” The Bishop also said that the Peñafrancia devotion is not merely tradition. “It is faith in action, a collective pilgrimage as children of Mary, [a way] to rekindle the fire of their devotion to the Mother of God.” In closing, Dialogo called on everyone to follow Christ just as Mary did. “May every Viva la Virgen be a promise to live as true children of Mary,” he exhorted.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat In his homily for the closing mass of the Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC) last Sept 18 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Bishop Luisito Occiano of Virac highlighted the importance of renewing “one’s identity as [part of the] Bicol clergy” and what it truly means to be a son of ‘Ina’.  Occiano likened the annual gathering of priests to coming home to a mother who “welcomes with much love and affection” and how this renews the “fire of the mission”. Camaraderie, he said, also “brings joy to the gift of vocation”. But, the Virac prelate also warned the Clergy that “the real test of devotion happens after the fiesta”, when each has gone back to his own parish. Three challenges were presented by Occiano as “one brings Christ to every searching heart”: fraternity, innovation and authentic witnessing.  According to the prelate, envy and comparison fuel rivalry and weakens the brotherhood. “This affects the people we serve.” Because there is no perfect presbyterium, Occiano told the Clergy to be supportive of each other, to accept each other’s shortcomings and failures, and to forgive one another. He also urged the Clergy to “embrace innovation with the heart of the Gospel”. He said that innovation is not limited to having digital presence alone, but also a change of mindset -“to try new pastoral approaches, collaborate with the laity and welcome inclusivity”, especially now that the Church calls for synodality. Ultimately, Occiano called on the Clergy “to be the face of Christ -in the way we live, in the way we relate and in the way we serve”. Authentic witnessing provides inspiration to others to do the same.  “A priest who lives authentically can draw people closer to Christ more than any eloquent homily,” he said. The prelate also asked the faithful to pray for the Clergy, to be understanding as well as forgiving.  Earlier in the week, the UBC opened with the Bicol Regional Pastoral Conference, wherein the Clergy gathered to talk on Synodality. Some of the highlights of the discussion were continued lay formation, early formation for seminarians and a “special focus on the family and youth”. Establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) was also identified as a significant tool for evangelization and in encouraging meaningful, inclusive participation in the Church.  The Diocese of Virac won as the over-all Champion of the annual UBC games and as the winner of the Cabalquinto AVP Awards, with its presentation “Tintirohan: An Banaag nin Paglaom sa Islang Maogma”.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “Catholic schools are meant to fill the environment with Christ at the center,” exhorted Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD of Caceres as he delivered his homily to Catholic teachers at the recently held annual gathering of Bicol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall, Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia. Tria Tirona also spoke about the importance of faith integration and witnessing in his homily, telling participants to be witnesses, instead of reporters, who he said are many nowadays. Witnesses, on the other hand, are transformed by the event, Tria Tirona explained. Thus, Catholic schools are also called to be avenues for witnessing, places where “hearts are redirected”.  Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, President of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) reinforced this ecclesial mission of education as he told participants that “Christ is the origin and end of our mission”. Hence, we must “discern together [as] we make our mission, Catholic education in the Philippines, stronger”.  A Community in Christ, moving forward In his national report, CEAP Executive Director Narcy Dionisio presented the 3-year program of the Association. Five key domains were identified for “transformative Catholic education”. These are educational leadership, organizational development, advocacy and formation, capacity building, and community engagement. “These priorities reflect a coherent and forward roadmap for our Association’s continued relevance in Philippine education,” Dionisio said.   “CEAP holds on to the promise of hope: that the visions we cherish, the ideals we live by, and the quiet beauty that stirs our hearts are never in vain, for every step taken in faith will not betray.” Cotabato Archbishop-elect Charlie Inzon, OMI delivered the keynote address on synodality, while Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon discussed artificial intelligence.  Held last September 11, the annual regional assembly gathered 245 participants in the Pilgrim City of Naga. Currently, BACS is headed by Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, Vice-President of CEAP.