By Fr. Joshua Sanchez BUHI, Camarines Sur — Laughter, curiosity, and thoughtful silence filled St. Francis of Assisi Parish on February 6 as over 200 students and community members gathered for the 14 th St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series, paired with the RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum. The event, a flagship initiative of the Cáceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP), brought education, faith, and mental wellness together under one roof. “This program teaches us not just about our rights, but about valuing ourselves and others,” shared a Grade 6 student from Buhi Central School. “I realized that asking for help is not a weakness—it’s courage.” Launched in 2023 with Ateneo de Naga University Theology Department, the St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series emphasizes freedom, identity, and discipleship, encouraging the youth to embrace their God-given identity and take responsibility for their communities while being aware of the many social issues nowadays like Vulnerabilities, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking. Topics range from responsible sexuality to holistic protection, equipping students, youth groups, and parish communities with tools to advocate for women and children. On the other hand, RIGMAT: A Mental Health Forum was introduced in 2024 and complements the lecture series by addressing the urgent mental health concerns in Bicol. The forum provides a safe, compassionate space for dialogue on emotional well-being, resilience and support systems, especially for areas where suicide prevention has become a pressing concern. During the forum, Mrs. Margie May Ireno-Dispolon, LPT, CHRA of Balaogan National High School Bula, guided participants on creating safe spaces for youth mental health, while Atty. Joseph Ceasar Sahurda of Ateneo de Naga College of Law, highlighted the SAFE SPACES ACT as a legal shield for mental well-being. Spiritual reflection and safeguarding insights were shared by COWCP Chairman Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar, reinforcing the connection between faith and holistic care. The day concluded with the veneration of the relic of St. Josephine Bakhita, leaving a lasting impression of hope, service, and advocacy. “Seeing everyone come together reminds me that we are not alone,” said a student from Igbac Elementary School. The participants came from Buhi North Central School, Peñafrancia Elementary School, Holy Child Educational Center Buhi Campus, Buhi Central School, Igbac Elementary School, Ipil Elementary School, and Sta. Cruz Elementary School. The event was hosted by St. Francis of Assisi Parish with full support from Parish Priest Fr. William Parde Jr., Ms. Daniela Catorse and the Parish Youth Ministry, in partnership with Mrs. Brenda Gonzales of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Municipality of Buhi. Through programs like the lecture series and RIGMAT, COWCP continues to inspire the youth, build resilience and nurture empowered communities —living the legacy of St. Josephine Bakhita, one safe space at a time.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat NAGA CITY - The annual celebration of the Archdiocesan SKK (Saradit na Kristiyanong Komunidad) Day was held last February 7, Saturday, at the Archbishop Alberto Hall, Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia compound.  The gathering was joined by more than 50 SKK Coordinators from the different parishes across the Archdiocese.  In his message, Fr. Emmanuel Mojica, Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Office for SKKs, urged the Coordinators to focus on the sitios or barangays, which is at the core of building SKKs. He stressed the importance of having good relationships within and among the SKKs, highlighting values of communication and coordination.  He also called on the Coordinators to be disciples of Christ -underlying the mission of SKKs, i.e, to evangelize.  Lastly, Mojica emphasized that forming SKKs is a “way of life” and a “new way of becoming Church”, adding that SKKs strengthen the local Catholic Church. Within the Archdiocese, some parishes have established and thriving SKKs, but for most, this remains a challenge.

The feast of St. Peter Baptist, principal patron of the Archdiocese of Caceres, was widely celebrated across the Archdiocese last Feb 1. A mass was officiated by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon on the saint's feast day at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. In his homily, Alarcon urged the faithful to remain rooted in Christ. Having contributed much to the establishment and development of several towns that now comprise the Archdiocese, Baptist, who was a missionary from Spain, was chosen to be the principal patron of Caceres. (Photo from The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral)

From The COMBIBLIA Staff NAGA CITY — In a gathering of faith and fellowship, the Archdiocese of Caceres, through its Commission on Biblical Apostolate (Caceres COMBIBLIA), held a Bible Congress on January 31. The event brought together 335 Bible animators called “Bible Apostles” –parish coordinators, religious sisters and lay leaders –at the Legaspi Hall within the Peñafrancia Basilica Compound. Guided by the theme “The Word of God Gives Life in a Church where Everyone Belongs,” the Congress marked a dual milestone: the 40 th anniversary of Caceres COMBIBLIA and the 75 th Diamond Jubilee of the Archdiocese. The day was meant as an encounter with the Word through prayer, testimony and a shared vision for the future of the Apostolate. Following the solemn Bible Enthronement, Archbishop Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D. delivered a stirring keynote address -defining the true identity of a Bible Apostle. “The Bible Apostle is a disciple of the Word, an apostle of the Word, and a community builder,” he declared. He emphasized three essential dispositions for every Bible Apostle: the openness to listen, the readiness to be sent and the commitment to work together. A highlight of the morning was a panel discussion featuring the current and former directors of COMBIBLIA. Fr. Danilo Imperial, the pioneer Director, recalled humble beginnings: “Though I was not a Biblical scholar, I was entrusted to start the Apostolate —no fund, no office, no staff; but we built the necessary foundation.” Msgr. Rodel Cajot, who served for 15 years, detailed the growth of Biblical programs and printed guides like “Enot na Pag-adal kan Biblia” and “Maghinanyog an Puso”. Fr. Philip Bersabe shared personal insights on deep scriptural study, while current Director, Fr. Erwin Blasa, expressed gratitude: “I am grateful that after 40 years, we are now harvesting the fruits of the labors of our former Directors.” The gathering was further energized by the Basilica Cantores de Peñafrancia and the remarkable Bible reading and preaching of an 8-year-old child, Ethan Alfonso. The afternoon featured moving testimonies from Fr. Jene Lois Sarmiento; Sr. Monina V. Baybay, FSP; Ronald Greg and Jocelyn Aguila and their children; Mark Emman Huit, a youth; and Bing and Ethan Alfonso, mother and son, who candidly shared their struggles and joys in encountering the Scriptures. Looking ahead, Fr. Blasa presented the Vision-Mission-Goals and facilitated its ratification by the Assembly, along with the COMBIBLIA Roadmap for 2026-2027. He announced the launch of “Baklay Biblia,” a caravan set to visit the Bay, Central, Partido, and Rinconada districts throughout the year.  There was also a time of personal prayer, reflection, and sharing through a Spiritual Conversation geared towards concrete plans of action in respective communities. The Congress culminated with a Holy Mass presided over by Archbishop Alarcon. Drawing inspiration from St. Peter Baptist, the principal patron of Caceres, the Archbishop reminded the assembly, “St. Peter Baptist, like us, Bible Apostles, was a disciple, an apostle and a community builder.” He sent the participants forth to their respective parishes and communities, through a moving commissioning ceremony -charging them with the sacred duty to keep the Word of God alive and vibrant in Caceres.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat On February 1, Sunday, the Philippine Catholic Church observed the National Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking, which has become a pressing social reality and urgent concern for the country, especially for children. In a statement issued by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP ECMI), it is said that human trafficking “reflect deeper social conditions that demand urgent and sustained response”. The statement also decried human trafficking as it is a means to deny human dignity, and a cause of marring the conscience of society and spoiling the moral foundation of the nation. “It is a profound moral concern that calls for conversion of hearts and transformation of systems.” CBCP ECMI Chairman Bishop Socrates Mesiona, MSP stressed in the statement that the fight against human trafficking is a shared national call. He urged Dioceses to actively campaign against human trafficking and to strengthen the Diocesan commissions' response for this urgent social concern. “We call on parishes to become spaces of vigilance, education, and protection by integrating human trafficking awareness into catechesis, youth formation, and family life,” he said. “The protection of human dignity must remain at the center of public policy and governance.” In the local Church of Caceres, through a circular dated January 28, Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon expressed solidarity with the National Day of Prayer against Human Trafficking.  “The Archdiocese of Caceres joins the Church throughout the country in renewed prayer, vigilance and action against this grave violation of human dignity,” Alarcon said. He also urged participation for the Week of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, an annual observance led by the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection (COWCP) headed by Fr. Jhonan’z Vibar.  Themed “Gabos kaayon, Gabos may gibúhon: Breaking Exploitation through Faith and Action”, the said Archdiocesan Week of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking started last Monday, February 2, and will end on Sunday, February 8, feast of St. Josephine Bakhita -patroness of victims of human trafficking, and International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. On February 6, Friday, the 14th St. Josephine Bakhita Lecture Series will be held at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Buhi, Camarines Sur.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Three hundred forty-five attendees from twenty-five member schools of the Catholic Educational Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL) joined the Educators Congress yesterday, Jan 28, feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and patron of Catholic schools. In his message, CEACAL President Fr. Wilmer Joseph Tria, called on the attendees to "form hearts that burn with the love of Christ, capable of transforming societies and shaping nations toward justice, peace, and the common good". He emphasized that true knowledge is not just the accumulation of information nor the act of thinking and studying, but rather, the foundation of integrating "intellect, affectivity and action" -towards "love, truth and service to God and neighbor".  He also underscored the role of Catholic education in social transformation, which he says, is a "true instrument for addressing social ills".  Inspired by the encyclical of Pope Francis, Dilexit Nos, Tria said "the heart must lead the head and guide the hands in service."  He further urged participants to make their schools "true heart centers", places where values such as tenderness, compassion and love are fostered and encouraged to be practiced.  Themed "Forming Hearts, Shaping Nations: Catholic Education for Transformative Change", the said Congress was held at Sundaze Hotel in Naga City. Resource speakers were Dr. Rhodora Angela Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee; Hon. Joseph Rañola, former Mayor of Jagna, Bohol; Atty. Alex Lacson, founder of the Kontra Dinastiya Movement; and Dr. Julius Somera, Quezon City Public School District Supervisor.

By The COMBIBLIA Staff TINANGIS PROVINCIAL JAIL  – “We are all sinners. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all members of the Church.” These were the comforting words of Fr. Erwin Blasa, Director of the Caceres Commission on Biblical Apostolate (Caceres COMBIBLIA), to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) during the celebration of National Bible Sunday on January 25. In an event emphasizing inclusivity and participation in the Church, Caceres COMBIBLIA, in partnership with the Caceres Prison Apostolate led by Fr. Jayson Gaite, held a Holy Mass and Bible Study for 68 PDLs. They were joined by the Daughters of Charity and members of the Adonai’s Love charismatic community. Reflecting on the theme, “The Word of God Gives Life to a Church where Everyone Belongs,” Fr. Blasa’s homily struck a chord. He likened the PDLs’ struggles to Israel’s experience of darkness, reminding them that God’s Word brings light and hope even within prison walls. He challenged the inmates to heed Christ’s call to “Follow me”, just as the apostles did. To close, Fr. Blasa shared the powerful testimony of a former inmate whose life was transformed from abuse and addiction to advocacy through daily Bible reading in a crowded cell. Following the Mass, COMBIBLIA distributed 40 free Bibles. Fr. Blasa conducted a session on Bible basics, teaching the PDLs what the Bible is, how to locate verses, and introducing the concept of Kwentuhan sa Salita ng Dios (Spiritual Conversations on the Word of God), a prayerful group sharing method to be practiced during the next visit. The impact was immediate. “Maogma ta nakanuod kami tungkol sa Biblia (I am happy to learn about the Bible),” one PDL shared. Another expressed gratitude: “Salamat ta ngonyan igwa na kaming Biblia (Thank you, because now we have Bibles to read).” Seeing the hunger for spiritual nourishment, organizers announced plans for a future program: Sarong Biblia kada Selda (One Bible for Each Cell), ensuring that hope remains accessible to everyone behind bars.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “When we see the image of the Sto. Nino, it is an invitation to change our quick-fix mentality. To change from within, without any shortcuts.”  This was the message of Fr. Francis Tordilla, Rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, as he delivered his homily on the feast of Sto. Niño, January 18, at the Balatas Development Complex, where hundreds of devotees gathered for a eucharistic celebration after the procession and street dance.  Tordilla, who lamented the ‘ pwede na iyan ’ attitude of Filipinos, spoke largely about the iconography of the globe held by the Child Jesus in His hand. “Today’s feast reminds us that the Child Jesus is the global standard for one’s work, attitude and relationship with God.” He emphasized that God became man to show His love and mercy for His people. “He was not contented with band-aid solutions.” The Child Jesus also teaches us three things, he said, how to pray, how to obey the will of the Father and how to show compassion to the marginalized sectors of our society, in whom one could possibly encounter God.  The devotion to the Sto. Niño began in the Archdiocese in 1979, after a group of Cebuano devotees visited Naga City with the image of the Child Jesus and was hosted by Fr. Alfonso Grageda, then Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP). Seeing the impact and spiritual growth that the said visit provided to the local parishioners, Grageda, with the support of then Archbishop Teopisto Alberto, paved the way to make ICP as the seat of one of the most popular devotions in the Philippines in Caceres.  Currently, the annual celebration is organized by the Immaculate Conception Parish, in partnership with the local government of Naga. Also present during the celebration were Parish Priest Fr. Emmanuel Marc Real, Parochial Vicar Fr. Roy Gueriña, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Vice-Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Jr.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat In the Pilgrim City of Naga, the feast of the Sto. Niño is joyfully celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, in union with the central celebration in the Archdiocese of Cebu. Each year, Immaculate Conception Parish (ICP), in partnership with the local government of Naga, organizes the celebration. The local devotion to the Sto. Niño began in 1979, when the Cofradia del Sto. Niño was organized in the ICP after a group of devotees from Cebu visited Naga City with the image of the Child Jesus. Fr. Alfonso Grageda, then Parish Priest, hosted these devotees, whose aim is to promote devotion to the Sto. Niño. After seeing the spiritual impact of their visit, Grageda, with the support of then Archbishop Teopisto Alberto, allowed the Parish to flourish into what is now known as the seat of the widespread Cebuano devotion in Caceres. This year, the feast of Sto. Niño was held last January 18, with the theme: “In Sto. Niño, we are one.” Hundreds of devotees gathered at the Immaculate Conception Parish before making their way to the Balatas Development Complex, where a mass was celebrated after the procession and street dance. Present during the celebration were ICP Parish Priest Fr. Emmanuel Marc Real, Parochial Vicar Fr. Roy Gueriña, Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo, and Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado. Priest decries ‘pwede na’ attitude In his homily for the Fiesta Señor, Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Rector, Fr. Francis Tordilla, largely spoke about the iconography of the globe held by the Child Jesus in His hand and the culture of complacency and tolerance of substandard work. Addressing the devotees of the Child Jesus, Tordilla asked, “When will we go beyond and be better than the ‘pwede na iyan’ attitude?” The feast of the Sto Niño, he said, reminds us that the Child Jesus is the global standard for one’s work, attitude, and relationship with God. Tordilla emphasized that God did not become complacent, nor was He contented with band-aid solutions to show His love and mercy for His people. “Instead, God became one of us,” he said. The Child Jesus also teaches us three things: how to pray, how to obey the Father, and how to show compassion to the poor, in whom one could possibly encounter the Lord. In closing, Tordilla called the faithful to personal transformation and spiritual growth. “When we see the image of the Sto. Niño, it is an invitation to change our quick-fix mentality,” he said. “To change from within, without any shortcuts,” Pope assures spiritual closeness to Sto. Niño devotees. The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, also expressed his closeness to the devotees of the Child Jesus. Pope Leo, who had been to Cebu many times prior to his election as Pope, sent his greetings to the Augustinian community in the Minor Basilica of Sto. Niño. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, who sent Pope Leo’s message, said “the Holy Father prays that this feast will once again be an opportunity to grow in the sacramental grace of baptism that incorporates us into Christ.” The Pope also urged devotees of the Sto. Niño to go to the marginalized sectors of society and be of service to those in need. “It is, therefore, his hope that you will be inspired by a greater desire to embrace the baptismal call to live a grace-filled life in Christ and in service to your brothers and sisters, especially those on the margins of society.”

By Roj Falcon Focusing on the archdiocesan goals and objectives, priests of the Archdiocese of Caceres convened for their first General Assembly this year at the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption, Canaman, Camarines Sur, on January 12, 2026.  Specifically, this year's archdiocesan thrust, Gabos Kaayon, Gabós may Gibúhon (Everyone Belongs and Everyone has a Vital Role), highlighted the importance and strengthened participation of all in the continuous growth of the synodal Church and the people of God.  Rev. Fr. Joseph Wilfred Almoneda, Vicar General of the archdiocese, said the assembly was meaningfully conducted, as Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon pushed its conduct since it marked the beginning of the year, and most of the programs for the year were discussed.  The assembly started with a Holy Hour and the solemn blessing of the newly constructed pastoral center of the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.  During the meeting, Rev. Fr. Eugene Lubigan and Rev. Fr. Darius Romualdo, the archdiocese's chancellor and financial administrator, respectively, discussed the agendas in their reports to the curia. Other updates followed, with Rev. Fr. Francisco Parza III reporting on parish matters, Rev. Fr. Joey Gonzaga on Safeguarding, Rev. Fr. Felipe Culvera III on the Committee on Ongoing Clergy Formation, Rev. Fr. Eugene A. Lubigan on Digitalization Compliance, and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel G. Mojica on the Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC). Archbishop Alarcon also shared his message with the priests of the archdiocese, followed by the announcement of upcoming events, especially the Caceres Bible Week, which will be held from January 24 to 31, 2026.  Rev. Fr. Darius Romualdo stated that the clergy assembly is necessary because it gathers clergy in prayer and reflection, thereby strengthening their spiritual lives and unity in ministry. Through shared prayer, priests renew their commitment to serve God and His people with faith and humility.  The assembly also provides a time for updating on pastoral concerns, church teachings, and current challenges, helping priests grow together, remain informed, and respond more effectively to the needs of the Church and the community. Photos courtesy of Fr. Mayo Cesar Herrera

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “The Black Nazare is a symbol of a new beginning." This was the message of Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona, O.C.D. as he celebrated the mass on the eve of the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the Holy Cross Parish in Tabuco, Naga City, January 9.  "We enter a New Year with the Black Nazarene as our inspiration," he said.  "We are invited to accept Jesus Christ as our guide as we cross this New Year." The image of the Black Nazarene, the Carmelite Archbishop said, is highlighted by an image of suffering: "a suffering born out of God's deep love for us".  Most of us would seek physical healing, he continued to say, “but the over-all message of the Black Nazarene for us is change” "We are called to conversion: to a change of heart. To sin no more." Thus, devotees of the Black Nazarene were urged to "ask not just for physical healing, but also for spiritual healing".  "Our devotion should prepare us and allow us to be open for the grace that will change us -change that brings us hope and make us new persons in Christ, a new community.” "But change can only be possible if we are ready to follow the Way of the Cross, leading to the Way of the Resurrection,” the Archbishop said.   Tria Tirona then continued to call on the devotees to "embrace the Way of Jesus, and not the way of the world".  "The way of Christ who suffered to show us the love of God,” he said. Closing his homily, the Archbishop sought prayers for openness to change.  "It is grace that we have a deep devotion to the Black Nazarene," he added.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Last December 29, 2025, the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Caceres gathered at Sundaze Hotel for their annual Christmas Party. Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon celebrated the mass at the start of the gathering. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of celebrating the Holy Eucharist together. “The Eucharist is at the core of our ministry,” Alarcon said. “It is Jesus whom we celebrate.” The prelate also reflected on the year, 2025, as it comes to an end. 2025 saw the election of a new Pope, Leo XIV. 3 Cardinals from the Philippines joined the Conclave that elected the first American and Augustinian Pope. 2025 was also the Jubilee Year of Hope. Several Churches were designated as Jubilee Churches across the Archdiocese including the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia. 2025 was a year characterized by several initiatives in line with Pope Francis’ call to Synodality. The pastoral thrust of the Archdiocese was “Magsabot pasiring sa Simbahan na nakikisumaro”. As Alarcon went through the year, he also mentioned several national and archdiocesan events that shaped and continues to form the lay faithful of Caceres. Among these are the National Youth Day held in June 2025 and the annual Peñafrancia celebrations in May and September. The Archdiocese also joined the Trillion Peso March Movement both in October and November. Pastoral initiatives included Congresses and Safeguarding Seminars for both the Clergy and the Lay. Organized by the Caceres Office for Women and Children Protection, the 1st Archdiocesan Parish Safeguarding Summit was held in February 2025. The Family Ministry led the Penitential Walk for Life in March, while the Archdiocesan PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) Team initiated seminars and recruitment for volunteers for the midterm elections held in May. In July, the Grand PREXtahan was done in Fuerte Sports Complex and in August, a Bioethical Conference on End-of-Life Care for Filipinos was organized by the Tomasinong Bikolano, which was held at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Auditorium. Through every calamity, Caritas Caceres extended their relief efforts especially to far-flung areas, including the Diocese of Masbate which was terribly hit by Typhoon Opong in September. On October 26, the annual Children and Youth Mission Festival organized by the Caceres Office for Mission and Evangelization was celebrated in Goa, Camarines Sur. 4 seminarians were ordained to the Sacred Order of Deacons in October and 2 deacons were ordained to the Sacred Order of Presbyters on December 12. The Archdiocese welcomed Fr. Joseph Bascuña and Fr. Leoneil Belen. The Caceres Clergy had their annual retreat in November; and on November 21, it was announced that the Holy Rosary College of Theology will continue to be affiliated with the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Theology until 2030, as approved by the Dicastery for Culture and Education. Lastly, the Archdiocesan closing of the Jubilee Year of Hope was held last November 30 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. 2026 is set to be the Year of Participation, as mentioned by Alarcon in his Pastoral Letter published on the 1st Sunday of Advent. Themed “Gabos Kaayon. Gabos may Gibuhon”, Alarcon calls everyone to a more participatory Church, which is also one of the key aspects of the 2nd Plenary Council of the Philippines (PCP II). As the Archdiocese celebrates its Diamond Jubilee in 2026, the prelate likened the facets of a diamond to a participatory Church. “Like a diamond that has many facets for it to shine,” Alarcon said, “we too have our own roles to fulfill in our mission to make Christ known to everyone.”