By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “Are we forming consciences that resist evil or tolerating corruption under the guise of peace?” This was the question raised by Bishop Jose Rojas, Jr. of Libmanan, who called for moral renewal as he slammed corruption, citing it “a moral crisis”, a way of life that lacks compassion, justice and accountability.  “Corruption weakens the moral fabric of institutions and destroys the future of the entire nation,” he said as he addressed thousands of devotees in his homily at the mass before the Traslacion last Friday, Sept 12, at the Parish and Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga City. The pressing role of Discernment Rojas also criticized keeping a blind eye and brushing aside injustices that occur amid the vibrant and joyous atmosphere of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, lovingly called ‘Ina’ by her devotees. “It is not enough for the Church to remain silent or neutral,” he exhorted. “The Church must be a moral compass.” The Libmanan prelate maintained the vision of the Church as “a light in darkness”, unafraid to advocate for the truth and champion the poor, the oppressed and the voiceless. He spoke of discernment as a necessary action in the journey towards social transformation, stating that it is a “prophetic responsibility in a corrupt society” today, where conscience examination is most called for.  Discernment entails “listening deeply to God’s voice in the midst of noise, power and politics”. It requires courage in seeking to do what is right, “to guide the faithful in truth”.  Mary, the model of true discernment  “To discern is to act with moral clarity and compassion just as Mary did,” Rojas continued, as he illustrated Mary as the perfect example of someone who “discerns God’s will even in difficult and corrupt environments”. From the Annunciation where “she listened and responded with courage” to moments in her life where she immediately sought action as fruits of spiritual discernment, such as visiting Elizabeth and during the wedding feast in Cana, Mary’s life is marked by “faithful obedience to God’s justice and mercy”.  Ultimately, her faithfulness is shown at the foot of the Cross, where she remained even in pain. As the feast of ‘Ina’ draws near, Rojas challenges devotees to go “beyond tradition and ritual”, prompting them to ask themselves, “Are we living the values that ‘Ina’ represents?”  True devotion leads to conversion Deep within this grandiose celebration is a call to discern and look into our lives, he said. “As we cry out Viva la Virgen, may we not only honor ‘Ina’ with flowers and songs but by lives marked by moral courage and integrity.” Rojas further exhorted that true devotion is seen “in the choices we make everyday”. He also advocated for the future of the youth, many of whom actively participate in the annual festivities and are the “most affected by the long-term consequences of corruption”. He lobbied for their empowerment as “leaders of integrity”, in nurturing their faith and encouraging them to actively express this faith as they take part in “shaping a society that [truly] reflects the values of ‘Ina’”.  “Faith can transform society,” Rojas said as he closed his homily. “Let this celebration be a turning point.” He also expressed hope for the growth of the Catholic Church in Bicol and in the country at large -“in wisdom, in boldness and in discernment through ‘Ina’s’ intercession”, for our nation, the glory of God and social transformation.

By Tere Esmeralda-Medina NAGA CITY - The Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair (BFGTF) officially opened last September 11 at the Robinsons Place Atrium and Activity Center. Now in its 15th year, BFGTF stands as a living testament to the enduring partnership among its stakeholders, highlighting in its opening the collaborative efforts between the Church, government and the community in promoting inclusive economic growth for local businesses. “Every year, the Gainza Trade Fair reminds us that our devotion to Ina, the Virgin of Peñafrancia, extends beyond prayer -it inspires us to uplift livelihoods, foster solidarity, and strengthen our community,” Fr. Marcel Emmanuel Real, BFGTF and Caritas Caceres Chairman, said as he welcomed participants and attendees of the said event. BFGTF aspires to continue to embody the vision of its pioneer, Bishop Francisco Gainza -a Church in solidarity with the people, working for both faith and social development.  This year’s Trade Fair features over 200 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, representing a diverse range of sectors which include Agriculture, Food, Crafts, Fashion, and the Arts. The Creative Industry is the latest addition to the Fair since last year, aimed to showcase Bicolano artistry and innovation. The 12-day Expo also includes skills training, a two-day job fair and a talk on mental health.  Themed “Si Maria, Ina kan gabos, masasarigan sa pag-uswag”, the event was graced by Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres; Jay Percival Ablan, Provincial Director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Camarines Sur; and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo. Representatives from several government and private institutions were also present. Messages delivered did not only promote local livelihood but also spoke of the resiliency and creativity of Bicolanos, rooted in their faith and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.  “This Fair goes beyond commerce,” Archbishop Alarcon said. “It [has] become [a] community.” During the opening, awards were given to several people (Balaog Award), partners (Katuwang Award) and micro entrepreneurs (Maimbod Award) who played a significant role in the life and journey of BFGTF for the last 15 years.  The annual Trade Fair is organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres through Caritas Caceres, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. A showcase of homegrown products set in the wide and vibrant celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta, the Fair runs until September 22, Monday.

By Sr. Babi-An Pepito Twenty-six persons with special needs participated in the Paralympics organized by the Gilean Ministry last September 13, Saturday, at the St. Peter Baptist Covered Courts of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Naga City. The event began with a mass presided by Fr. Jaime Danilo Viola, Ministry Director. In his homily, Fr. Viola highlighted the importance of sports not only in physical fitness but also in character development, specifically in fostering teamwork and discipline. He also called on the participants to “always listen to Jesus and Mary” and to nurture spiritual teamwork as they practice their faith.  After the mass, participants engaged in three games: Bocce, Badminton and Scrabble. Bocce, a lawn bowling sport, involved three teams of four players each. Players quickly enjoyed mastering the skill of rolling balls close to the target, known as the pallino. Team A emerged as the Bocce champions. The Badminton competition featured three singles matches. While all players were new to the game, their enthusiasm was highly commendable. The final game, Scrabble, had four players competing in a word-building challenge. Despite the difficulty, all players persevered in an hour of friendly competition. All winners and participants received medals, certificates and gifts.  The half-day event, which emphasized inclusion and the joy of participation and community spirit, was organized by the Gilean Ministry of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Naga City, headed by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Quimlat, with special participation of Mr. Gil Alimasa, Gilean Ministry Coordinator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Camaligan. The games were facilitated by Mr. Mellard Japson and Mr. Arnel Valle. The Sisters of the Little Mission for the Deaf were also present during the said event.

Lilette P. Manauis Three hundred eighty-two priests from across the Bicol Region convene at the UMA Hotel & Residences, Abaca Grand Ballroom, for the annual Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC) gathering on September 16–18, 2025, this time highlighting the characteristics of a synodal Church and the value of a spiritual conversations as a method to achieve this, and a reorientation to the Bicol Regional Pastoral Conference (BRPC). Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, as head of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Caceres, proposed this distinct part of the priests’ gathering to foster a strengthened response to the call for a more synodal Church and to nurture a deeper and more concrete understanding of what synodality is. Thus, what used to be a get-together of priests from the different dioceses in Bicol to celebrate the Peñafrancia fiesta and live out their brotherhood through a sportsfest, this year, the UBC event had a twist in its set of activities, which is the BRPC General Assembly. With the theme “Brothers in Mission, Sons of Ina,” Archbishop Rex discussed the characteristics of a Synodal Church and emphasized that synodality is “the way the Church should walk together, listen, and include everyone.” He first presented a perspective of a synodal Church in the Asian context and narrowed it down to the more specific goals of inclusivity, a pilgrim church concept, and giving importance to the voice of the people. He concluded his talk with an encouragement for “practical steps” that could be undertaken on a diocesan and parish level, and work to define what a synodal Church is. Moreover, he advocated for “21st-century relevance of Synodality,” which “helps the Church stay connected, agile, and responsive in a diverse, fast-changing world.” The archbishop advocated that: “BRPC is a concrete manifestation of our effort to be a synodal Church in the Bicol Region.” Fr. Augusto Angeles, a member of the Bicol Regional Priests Conference Secretariat, provided a review of what the BRPC is. He discussed key points such as the role, authority, and composition of the Executive Secretariat. Likewise, he explained the structure and responsibilities of Regional Desks and how they are clustered into 4 departments patterned after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and they are: Doctrine and Religious Affairs, Clergy Formational and Welfare, Lay Formation, and Social Services and Communications. He then summarized his discussion with the recommendations by Bicol Bishops that BRPC has no legislative authority and would act only as a consultative and coordinating body under the CBCP framework.

Lilette P. Manauis The Bicol River flows in a mixture of colors while thousands of voyadores aboard boats paddle in kindred constancy, pulling Our Lady’s pagoda as it cruises its way back to the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Year after year, riverbanks along several barangays in Naga City get clambered by still several thousands of devotees, while rooftops and terraces are cramped by collectively thousands more faithfuls. All hopeful and ardent to have just a glimpse of Our Lady’s image as it sails its way back to Her home. Hours before the fluvial procession, serene warbles echo through the surroundings of the river while devotees of different ages, walks of life, and proximity adorn both sides of the river. They stay and wait, not minding the heat nor the threats of rain. They cling to their patience, eager to see the image of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, their mother in its journey back to the Basilica. This year, Ina’s image was joined in the Pagoda by the Bicol Bishops headed by Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, priests, and youth representatives from different parishes and religious and youth organizations in Caceres. While 172 registered boats, 20 skippers ( “paratukon” in Bikol),  and the Philippine Coast Guard all pooled together not just their devotions but their expertise in ensuring the safety and success of the Fluvial Procession. Neither the darkness nor the windings of the river delayed the pagoda’s sails. Nothing waned the cheering and chanting of the thousands of devotees from the moment Ina’s image traversed the waters of Naga River to the point where it was carried to the grounds of the Basilica. There was a welcome of unfeigned chantings of “Viva La Virgen!”, a louder singing of Our Lady’s hymn, an ocean of waving handkerchiefs, and a display of lights from candles held with hands of piety and faith. All festivities in honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia culminated with a Mass presided by the Most Rev. Bartolome G. Santos Jr, D.D. Bishop of Iba, Zambales, together with the Bicol Bishops, Bicol Clergy, and other guest priests at the grounds of the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

by Antonette Eduardo The Bicolanos' devotion to Inâ, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, is more than just tradition – it is a shared mission, a call to action. Every September, the skies of Bicol are filled with prayers rising like incense and blessings descending like rain. But the Bicolanos and pilgrims from different places and walks of life who gather together do so to ask for Inâ's motherly intercession and become living missions of love, hope, and compassion. This year's Traslacion Procession, where an estimated 800,000 pilgrims accompanied Inâ from the Old Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia to the Metropolitan Cathedral, once again marked the beginning of the nine-day Novena in her honor. It was also a moment for us to truly reflect on how we can be like Mary as missionaries. Mary herself lived with a mission. When she said "yes" to God in carrying Jesus in her womb, she accepted her role as the first missionary. She not only became the mother of Jesus; she also brought Him to others, and she became mother to us all. Today, she continues that mission from the sky, from heaven, interceding for her children and pointing us always to her Son, the Divino Rostro (the Divine Face of Jesus). Our deep devotion to Inâ challenges us not only to join processions, attend Novena Masses, or chant "Viva la Virgen!" but more importantly, to renew our mission. To be a devotee of Inâ is to take part in her mission: to listen, to serve, to heal, to love, to give voice to the oppressed, and to lead others to Christ. Just as the sky gives us light, rain, and the air we breathe, so too must our faith and devotion overflow into action. It is a shared mission to heal divisions, strengthen hope, rekindle love, and be pilgrims of hope for all.

By Jonnah Abellano Every September, Naga City comes alive with a river of devotees. Pilgrims fill the streets, their footsteps and prayers weaving a rhythm that honors Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro. Yet not all devotees can make the journey. Some are miles away, in distant provinces, or even foreign lands, but their prayers for Ina reach her just the same. Even far from the pilgrimage, faith finds its expression. In homes, chapels, and small parish halls across Bicol and beyond, devotees light candles, whisper prayers, and gather in silent rituals. Theirs may not follow the grand processions that wind through the streets of Naga, but they are instilled with the same sincerity and longing to be near the Blessed Mother. Distance is no barrier in their hearts, for faith becomes a bridge. Amid the crowds of pilgrims in Naga, many cannot approach Ina and the Divino Rostro. The throngs around the sacred images can overwhelm even the most devoted. Yet for those who stay at a distance, faith becomes their bridge. They bow in reverent silence in quiet corners, whispering prayers that drift softly through the air. Candles flicker in their hands, small flames that carry hope and longing. Each petition murmured from the heart is a tender offering. Even if unnoticed in the crowd, their devotion flows steadily, reaching the Blessed Mother. In these moments, the distance between worshiper and divine fades, and the soul speaks to Ina in subtle, profound intimacy. Devotion takes many forms, and those who pray from afar reveal its truest essence. Faith is quiet, persistent, unassuming, and sometimes far from the clamor of festivals. A calm radiance grows with each prayer whispered and candle lit, reflecting Ina's steadfast care and watchful love. Distance may separate the faithful from Naga's bustling streets, but it cannot dim the devotion coursing through generations. Being near Ina is less about proximity and more about presence: the sincerity of intention, the persistence of hope, and the embrace of a tradition that transcends geography. From afar, devotees feel the gentle comfort of the Blessed Mother's gaze, reassuring that distance does not diminish devotion. On this annual celebration, the Pilgrim City of Naga may be the heart of the festivities. Still, each devotee's heartbeat pulses from every province, every home, every corner of the world, all united in one prayer: from afar, for Ina.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat A sea of men in color-coded shirts with bands on their heads that read “Viva la Virgen”, carrying Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, is a common sight to behold during the Traslacion and Fluvial processions. Every September, these men walk barefoot to keep Ina safe as she makes her way through the crowd. But, little do we know how they spiritually prepare for one of the most widespread Catholic devotions in the country.   Each year, on the Saturday before the Traslacion, the men collectively known as the Cofradia de San Jose gather at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia for a night of “Pakikipagtipan ki Ina”. Pioneered by Msgr. Rodel Cajot, PC in 2013, with Fernan Mendizabal and William Menes, the gathering seeks to promote the spirituality of St. Joseph, whose character every voyador must emulate. It also aims to reinforce and keep the camaraderie among the voyadores.   The evening is spent in prayer as the men go through reflection, and participate in the eucharistic celebration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The annual recollection and vigil is capped by a solemn procession within the Pilgrim City of Naga. As they pass through the Colgante Bridge, the men pray for the victims of the tragedy that occurred in 1972.   Far and wide, young and old, Ina draws her voyadores close every September, filling the streets as her feast day approaches. It is a tradition passed on through generations, and one that begins at home.   According to a voyador, his devotion to Ina was ignited by growing up in a Catholic family and with family members who are also voyadores. This roots his understanding of what it truly means to be a voyador at an early age.   And through years of formation and participation, these men grow in their devotion to Ina and mature in their faith as well.   A sea of men in color-coded shirts with bands on their heads that read “Viva la Virgen!” carry Ina every September -a sight to behold as one hopes to catch a glimpse of her or touch her manto, with prayers offered or tears in one’s eyes.   To witness this as a way of expression of devotion is said to be truly phenomenal.   The word voyadores takes its roots in the Spanish word, boyar, which means to lift. It may also mean boya, which perfectly encapsulates the joy, hope and lightness one feels as he carries Ina through the crowd and in his heart.

By Jonnah Abellano In Bicol, devotion runs deeper than tradition and flows seamlessly through generations. September is a month when the Pilgrim City bursts into a sea of yellow and white as the Feasts of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and El Divino Rostro transform the streets into a living testament of faith, carried forward from one generation to the next. At the heart of these celebrations are the tender glimpses of families walking hand in hand: Lolo steadying his apo on the crowded streets during the Traslación, or Lola teaching her grandchild the prayers of the novena whispered with tears and fervor. To many BIcolanos, the devotion to Ina and the Divino Rostro (the Holy Face of Jesus) is their first catechism, not from books but from the living faith embodied by parents and grandparents, a tradition carried forward through time. The day of Traslación begins with the Dawn Procession, when the Miraculous Image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is transferred from the Minor Basilica to the Parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The Traslación, which marks the transfer of the sacred images from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, has long been a family ritual. Elders recall waving handkerchiefs as children, fervently chanting "Viva la Virgen!" and "Viva el Divino Rostro!" Now they watch their children do the same, eyes shining with the same awe and reverence. It is this persistence that binds generations, where faith and devotion are not only preserved but deepened. Together, they embody the cycle of faith, ever ancient and ever new. What makes the Peñafrancia celebration remarkable is its power to bridge young and old alike. It is not simply a celebration for today's pilgrims but a legacy entrusted to tomorrow. Through stories, gestures, and whispered prayers, the young learn that devotion is not only about asking for miracles but also about taking on a history of gratitude and love. In the end, the feasts of Ina and the Divino Rostro are more than religious events. They are living bridges across time, where grandparents, parents, and children stand side by side, bound not just by blood but by a faith that endures, through generations, prayers, and the heart of Bicolandia. In every step, every chant, and every gaze toward the andas, pilgrims and devotees ensure that tomorrow will inherit yesterday's devotion.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat NAGA CITY - Over 80 writing enthusiasts from different schools, parishes,  and seminaries of the Archdiocese of Caceres participated in the recently held on-the-spot essay writing contest at the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, September 6, Saturday. Themed “Our Mother of Peñafrancia: Mother to All”, the said literary competition aims to promote devotion to Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, by way of writing faith stories and personal reflections. The annual event also seeks to promote writing and literary appreciation. Addressing the participants, Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom) Director Fr. Francis Tordilla said, “Not all of us can serve as a voyador. But through writing, may your essays carry Ina this Peñafrancia fiesta and inspire devotions in others.” 59 contestants participated in the English category, while 30 contestants joined the Bikol category. Contestants are further divided into divisions by age. Division 1 is for those 16-19 years old, while Division 2 is for those at the 20-25 age bracket. A total of 12 parishes and 21 schools took part in the whole-day literary endeavor. Numbers show a 20% increase in participation from last year’s competition. Caceres News, headed by Mrs. Lorleine Manauis, is the official digital news arm of the Archdiocese, and is one of the latest additions to the CCCom as a platform for digital evangelization. The winners of the contest will be awarded on October 6, 2025, during the Novena Mass in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary.

By Lilette P. Manauis Caceres priests gather yet one more time to fulfill their centuries-old vow of celebrating the feast of Divino Rostro and spiritually prepare for the feast of Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. “Pagbalyo Kay Divino Rostro” is the annual tradition wherein priests carry the image of the Divino Rostro through a solemn procession from the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Balatas Road, Naga City, to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Barangay Peñafrancia, Naga City. Thereafter, Novenary masses in honor of the said image are celebrated until it gets transferred with the image of Ina to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral through the Traslacion procession. A highly significant chapter of this tradition is the clergy recollection, which intends to prepare them spiritually to celebrate the fiesta in honor of Ina. This year, the recollection was distinctly crafted to impart two talks and foster a spiritual conversation. Initially, Dr. Eric B. Zerrudo, Executive Director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) talked about Heritage. “He was invited by the Archdiocese to settle a recurring need of priest[s] to be educated on cultural heritage conservation, since most of [its] pastors manage old churches,” said Fr. Francis A. Tordilla, rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and member of the Archdiocesan Construction and Heritage Committee. Continually, Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento, who was the speaker in the afternoon session, talked about Memory. Related to the first talk on Heritage, he emphasized that “Heritage is not simply what is old; it is what the community remembers, cherishes,  and hands on.” He further quoted Paul Connerton in one of his works saying, that “’Societies remember not only through written history but also through embodied practices and spaces-memory that is incorporated in experiences of rituals and inscribed in places and objects.’” More relevantly, Fr. Lois showed pictures of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and other old churches in the Archdiocese and encouraged priests to actively share their “memories” of those places. Following the interactional part of the talk was the spiritual conversation among the priests assigned in small groups. They were ushered into their group, guided by these three questions: (1) Places make sense, senses make the place. What is that one place that makes sense to you? (2) In your community, how do people value these places/objects? And (3) What can we do to protect these valuable places/objects? The recollection was ceremonially completed by a mass celebrated by Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, who thanked his brother priests for being present to fulfill their promise to carry the image of the Divino Rostro in a solemn procession. In his homily, he said a prayer for the priests of Caceres and the seminarians who attended the mass. Archbishop Rex encouraged them through his prayer that they may not feel scared; however, recognize that their ministry is towards a higher level of pastoral success. He further compared their role to that of a mother who secretly cries, bearing the difficulties of motherhood, but openly smiles for her children to see. He ended his prayerful homily with the invocation, “ Logod kita magkaigwa nin determinasyon, perseverance  na maski makuri dai kita maghabo,  na maski mayong balos dai kita magsuko,  maski mayong pasalamat dai kita mag give up… na an satuyang balos iyo an lalawgon nin Kagurangan…an lawog ni Hesus na namoot sato asin sa labi labing pagkamoot idinusay an buhay para sato.”

By Lilette P. Manauis Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon and priests across the archdiocese of Caceres, on the celebration of Creation Sunday 2025, deliver bold and moving homilies aimed at awakening and urging their congregations to act on being responsible stewards of God’s creation. September 7, 2025, marks the start of the Season of Creation which is annually held to consistently encourage consciousness, reflective action, and renewed commitment to caring for God’s creation – our own home. In his homily, the archbishop invited the congregation to recall how it had been since we were little children when we were taught not to steal, to return what we borrow, and to always share equally. He even recalled how we were taught to “think about those who haven’t eaten yet, never to waste food, and always to take care of our things.” Furthermore, he emphasized that these small but greatly valuable teachings are taught to children, but are indeed reminders to all of us [today] these days. Sequentially, Bishop Rex delved into the verity of not being alone rather than having families and neighbors to think of. Explicitly, he pointed out one by one all the abuses of natural resources and even to indigenous people, which leaders and politicians commit for the sake of their own business monopoly and personal interests. And how all these hurt biodiversity and even our own safety. Continually, he emphasized upon environmental justice by reiterating that the earth’s resources gives us “ay para sa gabos.” He was direct in saying that God’s creation is for everyone, and we are accountable for that to God Himself. In a separate homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Albert Orillo in one of his masses at the Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur quoted Pope Francis who spoke of the earth as “our common home.” Fr. Albert instinctively ushered his parishioners to an imagery of whether they will be happy to wake up in the morning smelling bad air, or to walk on the streets seeing garbage scattered everywhere. He then pointed out examples of very specific acts, such as bringing one's own tumbler or water container to lessen, if not to eliminate the use of disposable plastic containers and planting trees or plants, which could contribute to re-greening the surroundings. Truly, he claimed that these practices are not new, but we are being reminded constantly. Once again invoking Pope Francis in his encyclical “Laudato Si,” Fr. Orillo prompted his parishioners to show much care and act thoughtfully for the environment. He restated the late Pope in his advocacy for not only spiritual conversion but also ecological conversion. He ended with a provoking statement saying, “While there’s time…let us not wait for a bigger catastrophe because for what it will cost us, our health gets affected too.” Celebrating mass in St. Bernard Abbot Parish, Ocampo, Camarines Sur, Rev. Fr. Francis A. Tordilla buoyed for the pilgrims of the Camino de Peñafrancia a reflection on the Season of Creation, identifying with them in “usually forgetting that we are part of and we are one of God’s Creation.” Bluntly, he expressed how we pretend to be “gods” and how power and money make us think we own the world. We put our selfishness before our “kapwa’s” welfare and become “dios-diosan,” claiming everything and not saving anything for other people. Another thing we forget he said is that “Man as a creation and not a creator needs to listen to the environment.” Fr. Francis talked about two kinds of voices God wants us to hear, “mga inagrangay,” he said, using its Bikol sense. First is the voice of the environment and second is the voice of the poor. According to him, in “Fratelli Tutti,” Pope Francis called us into universal fraternity, and part of it is the relationship and oneness with the environment and the compassion to those in need. By this, he pointed out how nature has a way of getting back at us and that the calamities and natural disasters that we experience are pained voices by Mother Earth. Likewise, he expressed how the poor have become “powerless and victims of the pride of the few.” He capped his homily by highlighting the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia as being closely related to love of nature. According to him, it is through roads and the river that we celebrate Ina’s fiesta year after year and taking care of these natural features of the environment is a devotion to both Our Lady and our surroundings. Finally, he urged the pilgrims of the camino to pray to Ina for strength to stand for the powerless and the poor, and the maturity of their cause from a personal to a communal mission so that the Season of Creation and the devotion to Ina be “seamless and synchronized because what we do will reflect that we are sons and daughters of Ina and Mother Nature.” As we are continuously urged to remind ourselves of our responsibility as stewards of God’s creation, these sermons should not just resound as words throughout the archdiocese, but must be demonstrated in particular acts of ecological conservation and compassion.