By Hannah Brockhaus/EWTN News The Vatican announced Monday that Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical will be published on May 25 with the title Magnifica Humanitas. Pope Leo will speak at a presentation for the release of the social encyclical — a papal letter to the Church — at 11:30 a.m. Rome time on May 25 in the Vaticanʼs Synod Hall. The Vatican also confirmed that the full title of the encyclical is Magnifica Humanitas: “On the Protection of Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Magnifica Humanitas is Latin for “magnificent humanity.” Leo signed the letter, which is expected to provide moral guidance on the digital revolution and emerging technologies such as AI, on May 15. The speakers at the encyclicalʼs presentation will be: Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development; Anna Rowlands, professor of ethics and political theology at the University of Durham in the United Kingdom; Christopher Olah, co-founder of Anthropic USA; and Léocadie Lushombo, it, professor of theological ethics at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will offer concluding remarks. May 15 marked the 135th anniversary of the publication of Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical on capital and labor, RerumNovarum, “Of New Things” — the first in a long line of social encyclicals produced in the modern era of the Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV indicated at the beginning of his pontificate that he intended to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Leo XIII by responding to todayʼs industrial revolution: “developments in the field of artificial intelligence.” Addressing the College of Cardinals on May 10, 2025, the new pope said he chose to take the name Leo XIV for various reasons, “but mainly because Pope Leo XIII in his historic encyclical Rerum Novarum addressed the social question in the context of the first great industrial revolution.” “In our own day,” he continued, “the Church offers to everyone the treasury of her social teaching in response to another industrial revolution and to developments in the field of artificial intelligence that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.”

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Over 230 participants gathered last May 18 at the Archbishop Legaspi Hall of the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia in Naga City for a regional conference and workshop organized by the Archdiocese of Caceres for Social Communications Ministries. Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (CBCP ECSC), celebrated the mass that capped the whole-day event. In his homily, Alarcon focused on one’s relationship with Christ, the foundation and pillar of one’s work in the Ministry. According to the Archbishop, for one to communicate Christ, one must remain connected with Christ. He urged participants to “be sensitive to Christ’s message and to be more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit”. He also highlighted the importance of purposeful communication and to always bring Christ to others. “Jesus is the eternal Word that is ever present and ever constant. He adds depth and light to our messages; and with Him, we become more effective,” he said. Alarcon also challenged the participants to be more physically present as they establish authentic human connections, amid advancements in digital communication. Echoing the Holy Father’s message for World Communications Sunday entitled “Preserving Human Voices and Faces”, the Archbishop reiterated that through one’s face, encounter occurs, and in one’s voice lies the uniqueness of a human person. This need for true human connection was also highlighted by keynote speaker, Edwin Lopez, CBCP ECSC Executive Secretary and current Executive Director for Asia Pacific of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). According to Lopez, God’s communication strategy with man was His incarnation. “God chose to have an encounter with us, to be present in our midst and to accompany us,” he said. Lopez also urged participants to ask themselves if their presence serves as a channel in drawing others to God. Themed “Communicating Christ”, the event, which was a response to the call of Pope Leo XIV on World Communications Sunday, was organized by the Caceres Commission on Communications headed by Fr. Francis Tordilla, in partnership with the CBCP ECSC.

by Fatima Sola Bandin The Caceres Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Caceres successfully conducted the Archdiocesan Conference of Youth Ministers (ACYM) last May 9-10 at the Holy Rosary Major Seminary. Guided by the theme “Katood: Gabos Kaayon, Gabos May Gibuhon”, the ACYM gathered youth directors, ministers, formators, and leaders across the various vicariates to discern the future of the youth ministry in the Archdiocese. Pagsalingoy On its first day, themed “Pagsalingoy: Going Back to our Roots”, the Conference focused on rediscovering the identity, mission and history of the Youth Ministry in Caceres. The morning sessions gave meaningful reflections and lessons as the former youth directors shared insights rooted in their experiences as leaders of the Ministry. Rev. Fr. Fidel Mamerto Bagayaua, youth director (1987-1996) emphasized the importance of looking back at the roots, identity and mission of the Youth Ministry in Caceres. Rev. Fr. Danilo Imperial, youth director (1979-1987), discussed “The Graced Story of the Caceres Youth Ministry,” sharing the beginnings, milestones and journey of the Ministry through the years. After, a talk show focusing on the Christological Pattern of the Youth Ministry in Caceres convened Mr. Jovan Galvo, a former youth leader, and former Youth Directors: Rev. Fr. Danilo Imperial, Rev. Fr. Fidel Mamerto Bagayaua, Rev. Fr. Joseph Wilfred Almoneda, VG (1997-1998), Rev. Fr. Rex Luis Hidalgo (1998-2001 & 2006-2013), and Rev. Fr. Noel Sumangui, SDB (2001-2003) who also participated in answering the questions via video presentation. The conversation focused on the speakers’ experience of the Life-Death-Resurrection Cycle during their time as leaders of the Ministry. Bro. Francesco Janne Labuntog, SJ discussed the “Trends of Religiosity Among the Young”. He presented the different perspectives of today’s youth towards religion and faith. Afterwhich, the delegates reflected on the talks given during the day and engaged in spiritual conversations which highlighted the importance of prayer and discernment while also listening to and sharing with other delegates. Insights gathered from the successfully concluded VCYMs were presented to the body alongside the Vicarial Statements. The Initial Apostolic Directions—which featured the goals of the Youth Ministry for the next five years—were also introduced to the delegates. Questions and suggestions were discussed. The first day ended with a fellowship night that highlighted the ‘pakikipag-katood’ among young people. After, all came together to close the night in prayer. Pangiturugan Guided by the theme “Pangiturugan: Dreaming for the Youth in Caceres”, the final Apostolic Directions entitled “Katood ni Ina, Katood ni Cristo” were named and presented to the body on the second day of the Conference. Afterwards, the Ministerial Directions were crafted. In the afternoon, before finally concluding the two-day event, the groups presented their proposals, which will be the foundation of the Executive Summary for the ‘KATOOD 5-Year Apostolic Plan’ of the Caceres Youth Commission. The ACYM formally ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Excellency, Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D, Archbishop of Caceres. Within the Mass, the initial directions from the ACYM were presented to the Archbishop, and a Closing Ritual of Commitment and Induction of Council Members was done. The ACYM is a call to mission, where young hearts and minds come together in synodality towards a shared vision for the future, where the Archdiocese walks with the young and journeys with them, in faith and hope.

By Jonnah C. Abellano Strengthening the spirit of service within the local church, 897 lay liturgical ministers from the Bay District gathered at the Magarao Convention Center on Saturday, May 2, 2026, for the Summer Liturgical Program. The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission organized the event, which drew a significant turnout of 472 Lectors, 180 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), 135 Collectors, and 110 members of the Mother Butler Guild (MBG). This gathering served as a vital platform for formation, bringing together a diverse group of church servants committed to enhancing their roles in the liturgy. Rev. Fr. Xavier R. Amoroso, Formator and Director of the Archdiocesan Commission on Liturgical Music, delivered the morning's keynote address, titled "Leitourgia: Full, Active, and Conscious Participation". Fr. Amoroso challenged ministers to move beyond empty routine, emphasizing that liturgical service serves as a model of prayer for the faithful rather than a mere performance. He reminded the participants that engaged ministers lead to an engaged assembly and introduced the "Arrive, Pray, Handle, and Ask" framework to guide their service. This practical approach encourages servers to arrive early, pray beforehand, handle sacred objects with deep reverence, and ask the Lord to use them as humble instruments. Fr. Amoroso further detailed specific ways each ministry can foster a more meaningful encounter with the Divine. He urged Lectors to practice deeply so they may truly proclaim the Word rather than simply read it, and he advised Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to utilize eye contact to facilitate a personal encounter during the distribution of the Eucharist. By knowing why they perform each gesture, whether it be bowing, singing, or maintaining silence, ministers transform the liturgy into a conscious act of worship instead of a repetitive habit. In a Director’s Note shared during the program, Rev. Fr. Glenn C. Ruiz, Archdiocesan Worship Director, highlighted the impressive scale of lay involvement across the entire Archdiocese of Caceres. He reported a staggering total of 8,535 active servers, which includes 2,709 Lectors, 2,614 Sacristans, 1,368 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, 1,362 Collectors, and 482 Mother Butler Guild members. This data underscores the growing dedication of the laity within the archdiocese. The formation program culminated in a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres. In his homily, the Archbishop expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of the lay ministers, reminding them that worship is not a performance but a shared participation where "no one is just a spectator." He emphasized that true service should transform the minister, stating that "service should transform us: less anger, less envy, more love." Addressing those feeling the weight of their duties, he encouraged a return to the source of their vocation, noting that "when you feel lost, return to Jesus, the wellspring of grace." By reflecting on the meaning behind every liturgical gesture and maintaining a strong interior life, the ministers of the Bay District left the convention center inspired to lead the "Work of the People" with renewed hearts and intentionality.

by Roj Falcon The Archdiocese of Caceres enjoined once again the altar servers from its different parishes for the annual Archdiocesan Camping for Altar Servers (ACAS) with the theme: “Altar Servers called to be Missionary Disciples” from April 14-16, 2026 held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Carolina, Naga City. It was attended by 334 participants from Partido District, 275 from Central District, 241 from Bay District, 405 from Rinconada District with a total of 1265 participants. The theme shares the essence of the Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Caceres in which the altar servers are called to continuously participate in the mission of Christ as his disciples and renew their service through the different formation sessions and activities during the camp. In his homily during the opening mass, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, expressed his gratitude to the altar servers for their ministry in the altar. “Enjoy (your) being young people. Enjoy all these things while you enjoy serving the Lord,” Archbishop Alarcon expressed to the participants. He reminded them of their important role as they serve in the church and to learn the “symbolic language,” the meaning of the different liturgical symbols and their essence in the liturgy. Rev. Fr. Glenn Ruiz, in his message to the altar servers, reminded them to be missionary disciples and go the extra mile as disciples and as missionaries. He admonished them to be self-giving, to share what they learned, and to give their best even in little things. He further encouraged them to be better, to be more, and to grow in mission. During the closing mass, Bishop Jose Rojas, Bishop of the Diocese of Libmanan urged the altar servers to not only serve in the altar but to go beyond so as to become true missionary disciples. Additionally, the newly elected officers of the Archdiocesan Altar Servers were also installed, and here are their names and positions: President: John Christian Quindo Vice-President: Edgar Angelo Alfelor Secretary: Jose Oliver Pelonio Treasurer: Leander Anthony Rigoroso Auditor: Carl Laurence Apolinaria District Coordinators Rinconada: John Lorenz Isaac Partido: Alvin Jay Sol Bay: Alvin Jay Castro Central: John Paul Besmonte The three day summer formation program featured different activities commencing through an opening program followed by laro ng lahi, essay writing, poster making, procession and cultural night, awarding, online games, formation sessions, fun run, foam party, community shower and other activities that develop their skills and fostered camaraderie among the different altar servers of the archdiocese. Photos courtesy of Genesis Cunanan

By Tere Esmeralda-Medina NAGA CITY — The Archdiocese of Caceres through Caritas-Caceres (Naga) Inc., the social action arm of the Archdiocese, has organized a series of orientation seminars on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM), Climate Change adaptation (CCA) and Emergency Response for the clergy and parish volunteers. This aims to better equip the Parish Disaster Response (PaDRe) Teams during calamities.  Themed “Serving Safely, Responding Faithfully", the first of the series of orientation seminars was held last April 20-21 at the Caritas Caceres Development Center in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. It was attended by fifty-six parish priests.  Resource speakers for the initial seminar include representatives from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMO) of Calabanga, Mr. Abalayan and Mr. Arnold M. Ignacio of Magarao, who shared local government perspectives on hazard assessment, early warning systems and coordinated emergency response. Mr. Emerson L. Bergonio, a professor at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), also provided technical input on climate change adaptation and community-based resilience. The seminar highlighted the vital role of parishes as centers of safety, coordination and pastoral care during emergencies. Participants were introduced to practical tools such as risk mapping, contingency planning and parish-based DRRM structures. Anchored on the Church’s social teachings and the call to care for creation, the initiative underscores the importance of coordinated action between parishes, local government units and humanitarian partners. It also aligns with the Archdiocese’s broader thrust of shared responsibility and active participation among clergy and lay leaders in responding to emerging social and environmental challenges.  Through Fr. Erwin B. Bismonte, Executive Director of Caritas-Caceres, organizers expressed hope that this seminar training would lead to concrete parish DRRM plans and stronger collaboration between the Church, local government units and community stakeholders to better serve those most vulnerable.  The rest of the series will be held on April 23-25, May 7-9, May 14-16, and May 21-23.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Themed "Together for Families: Rekindling the Mission", the Archdiocesan Family Ministry General Assembly gathered one hundred sixty-three family ministers last April 11, Saturday, at the Sts. Lois and Zélie Martin Auditorium of the Holy Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City. Family Ministry Director, Fr. William Santiago, gave the plenary talk, emphasizing the need to strengthen the Ministry as it approaches its Silver Jubilee. Through the General Assembly, he launched their pastoral direction with focus on the following: accompaniment, formation, healing, and mission. According to Santiago, the family is a domestic Church. It is where one experiences the faith first-hand through one's parents, the first catechists, and through one's home, where one could possibly have an encounter with God.  Although many families today face many trials and difficulties, especially wounded families and families in irregular situations needing pastoral accompaniment, Santiago believes in the resilience of the Filipino family. He also underlined the call of the family to be modern-day missionaries. Archdiocesan Coordinator Mr. Boboy Peña updated the participants on the outcome of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Family Life National Conference; while Ms. Julma Narvadez, facilitated the Conversations in the Spirit, a fundamental tool for the Pastoral Planning also done in the afternoon. The gathering concluded with a eucharistic celebration and the commissioning of the ministers.

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

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

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

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

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