By Jonnah Abellano The spiritual odyssey of the "Jubilee of Hope" reached its formal conclusion in the Archdiocese of Caceres on December 28, 2025. The solemn Rite of Closing, which coincided with the Feast of the Holy Family, was presided over by Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., the Archbishop of Caceres. Throughout the Jubilee Year, pilgrims visited the cathedral and other approved pilgrimage sites to seek plenary indulgences, deepen their prayer life, and renew their commitment to Christian discipleship. The local observance echoed the universal Church’s call to embrace hope, mercy, and reconciliation amid the challenges of the times. In his homily, Archbishop Alarcon reminded the faithful that while the physical doors of the Jubilee  celebrations were closing, the spiritual mission of mercy and hope must remain active in everyday life. He stressed that the graces of the Jubilee are meant to be lived out continually within families and communities. “The door through which grace and indulgence pass is symbolic,” the prelate said. “It represents mercy, forgiveness, and welcome. The closing of the Jubilee Year reminds us that its graces are meant to endure and to flow into the years ahead, and that we may be kind, merciful, and loving toward our brothers and sisters.” He emphasized that the spiritual fruits received during the Jubilee are meant to be lived out, not merely remembered, “The grace we received as pilgrims this year is not a souvenir to be kept, but a mission to be lived,” highlighting the Bicolano understanding of discipleship as an ongoing journey of faith, communion, and solidarity. The closing ceremony in Caceres likewise served as a historical marker, as the Jubilee of Hope began under the late Pope Francis and concluded during the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. Spanning two papacies, the Holy Year stood as a testament to continuity and renewal in the life of the Church. As the Archdiocese of Caceres looks ahead, the faithful are encouraged to carry forward the Jubilee’s enduring message by embodying mercy, hope, and Christian love beyond this extraordinary year.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat Bishop Jose Bantolo passed away on Dec. 13, 2025 after battling a chronic illness. He was 65.  Born in Antique and ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Jose de Antique in 1986, Bantolo was appointed by then Pope Benedict XVI as the 3rd Bishop of Masbate in 2011. He was ordained a Bishop on Aug. 22, 2011 and was installed as the prelate of Masbate on Sept. 6, 2011. He chose the motto: “Vivere Christus est” (To live is Christ).  His pastoral leadership was described by the Diocese of Masbate as “selfless”.  “He served the faithful of the Diocese of Masbate with devotion and grace for 14 years,” the Diocese said in a statement.  Bantolo’s funeral mass and interment was held on Dec. 30, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua in Masbate City. The mass was presided by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon. Also present were the Bicol Bishops and the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, who, in behalf of the Holy Father, extended his condolences to the Clergy and faithful of Masbate and to the family of the deceased.  In his homily, Alarcon described Bantolo as “simple and humble”, having “an unassuming bearing that made him approachable”. His vision for his Clergy was for them to be “happy, healthy and holy”.  “A steadfast servant, Bishop Joban was hardworking and had a strong sense of mission,” Alarcon continued to say. “He was concerned with poverty and peace and order in Masbate.” “He desired the renewal of the Diocese in Christ through communities and structures. He wanted to bring the Church closer to its people, whom he saw as the Diocese’s greatest treasure.”  Currently, Msgr. Claro Caluya III is the Diocesan Administrator of Masbate.

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat “What are you searching for this 2026?”, asked Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres in his homily last January 4 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. “Social media users search for people, topics or songs,” he said. “Alternatively, they post photos, achievements or comments to express themselves.” In his homily on the Solemnity of the Epiphany of our Lord, however, the Caceres prelate reminded everyone of what to truly search for and share with others. According to Alarcon, the Epiphany of our Lord is Christ making Himself known to the 3 Magi. Guided by a star, the Magi searched for Jesus and encountered Him in a manger.    Like the 3 Magi, he said, may a star also guide us as we seek the Lord in our pilgrimage. The Caceres prelate also called on the faithful to pray for "eyes that see clearly".  "May we recognize the Lord in our day-to-day lives," he said, "even in our weaknesses, and even through our difficulties." "For it is in humility, not power; silence, not noise, that the Lord assures us: He is here with us." In closing, Alarcon urged everyone to seek the Lord. "And when we find Him," he said, "may we post and share what we have seen and whom we have encountered."

By John Michael Lanon The Association of Communities of Consecrated Life in Caceres (ACCLIC) had their annual Advent Recollection and Christmas party last Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Betania Retreat House in Iriga City, hosted by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). This year's recollection was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Jerome Gonzales, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Iriga City. He focused on the theme: "Kindled by Hope, ACCLIC awaits the Lord of Promise with Mary." Fr. Gonzales emphasized that hope, as a theological virtue, yearns for the kingdom of heaven and eternal union with God, depending entirely on Christ's merits and grace rather than human effort. It purifies human aspirations, guarding against despair and presumptions while opening hearts to divine beatitude. The said activity concluded with a Holy Mass presided by the Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres. In his homily, he strongly delivered the importance of active engagement in the Church's synodal journey. He eloquently illuminated the profound significance of its three foundational pillars: Communion, Participation, and Mission, linking them seamlessly to the Archdiocesan theme, "Gabos kaayon, gabos may gibuhon" or "All are called, all have a role", for the Jubilee celebration of the elevation of Caceres to an Archdiocese. In this light, he passionately encouraged religious communities to wholeheartedly embrace their distinct vocations and mission. The ACCLIC Congress is slated on February 2, 2026.

By Sophia De Vera IRIGA CITY — The Commission on Biblical Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Caceres (Caceres COMBIBLIA) successfully concluded its year-long series of district gatherings, capping off 2025 with the Rinconada District Bible Conference held on November 30 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Bringing together 124 participants ranging from youth to adults, the whole-day event served as the final installment of a caravan that previously visited the Central, Bay, and Partido districts earlier this year. Anchored on the theme “Magbasa kan Biblia asin Magin Saksi nin Paglaom” (“Read the Word and Be a Witness of Hope”), based on Romans 15:4, the conference challenged delegates to go beyond mere reading. The goal was to transform participants into “Bible apostles”—ministers capable of breathing new life into the Scripture within their respective parish communities. Faith in Action The gathering opened with a vibrant Bible enthronement presided by Fr. Dexter Peñaflor, the COMBIBLIA district coordinator for Rinconada. Fr. Erwin Blasa, COMBIBLIA Director, delivered a keynote on the conference theme, emphasizing the power of reading Scripture to instill hope. This was followed by a session on Spiritual Conversation facilitated by Sr. Maria Culaway, D.M., which offered delegates a practical framework for sharing faith. One of the event’s highlights was the launch of the commission’s flagship program, “Basahon an Biblia: Sarong Kapitulo kada Aldaw” (“Read the Bible: One Chapter a Day”), designed to make Scripture reading a daily, manageable habit. To ensure the message resonated with the assembly, the launch featured a family reading the Bible in the Rinconada dialect—a gesture intended to bring the Word closer to the people of the district. A Community Effort The conference moved from instruction to interaction in the afternoon. A diverse roundtable discussion featured testimonies from a priest, a nun, a family, a youth representative, and a child, proving that the Bible resonates across all generations. The session revealed a striking contrast in experiences. While adult participants, including the clergy, spoke candidly about the difficulty of finding time to read, the family of Mr. Ronald and Jocelyn Aguila, parishioners from Naga Cathedral, offered a refreshing perspective. Having read the Bible nightly since the program’s launch in March, their teenage son testified: “Reading the Bible every night with my family gives me—gives us—joy.” The family has now read 20% of the whole Bible, strictly following the one-chapter-a-day reading program. Perhaps the most poignant testimony came from an 8-year-old child, Ethan Alfonso, a native of Magarao, who has already read nearly half the Bible. “If we read the Bible and believe in God, we do not need to worry, for God will always be with us,” the child shared, moving the audience. Host parish priest Fr. Wilmer Tria graced the event with an inspiring message, welcoming the delegation which represented over 20 parishes from municipalities including Buhi, Balatan, Baao, Bula, Bato, Nabua, and Iriga City. Organizing for Mission The assembly elected new parish and vicarial coordinators, formally organizing the network of Bible ministers in the district. The day concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated with local parishioners. Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration, Fr. Blasa connected the event to the start of the liturgical season. “As we light the candle of hope this first Sunday of Advent, we remember that the source of hope comes from the Word of God,” Fr. Blasa said in his homily. “It is the Word of God we prepare for this Christmas—Jesus, the Word made flesh.” Looking Toward 2026 . Leading up to this finale, the commission held preparatory events including an orientation for facilitators of Spiritual Conversation and a Seminar-Workshop on Digital Evangelization. The latter led to the formation of the new COMBIBLIA Social Communications Team, headed by Ms. Alyza Betito, ensuring the commission is ready for modern mission work. With the district conferences now complete and the organizational structures in place, Caceres COMBIBLIA shifts its focus to the upcoming Caceres Bible Congress, scheduled for January 24, 2026, in Naga City.

Filioque: When Small Insertions Change History By Fr. Francis Tordilla In recent weeks, the nation has been stirred by discussions on alleged “insertions” in the national budget — small additions that can carry enormous consequences. Church History, interestingly, has its own parallel. More than a thousand years ago, a brief phrase inserted into a sacred text helped shape one of the greatest divisions in Christianity. The phrase returns to the headlines with Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic letter In unitate fidei  (published 23 November 2025) and his ecumenical pilgrimage marking the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. How a Tiny Addition Became a Turning Point Filioque  is not in the Creed adopted at Nicaea (325) or in the later Constantinopolitan recension (381); its first formal attestation in Western creedal practice appears in the Third Council of Toledo (589) and it later spread through the Latin West, becoming part of Roman liturgical usage only in the medieval period. The insertion emerged as a pastoral and anti-Arian clarification in the Latin Churches, but its unilateral liturgical adoption became a symbol of competing theological emphases and ecclesial authority — one of several factors that fed the Great Schism. The theology behind the phrase revolves around the “procession” of the Holy Spirit — meaning, in simple terms, how the Spirit receives and shares in the one divine life of the Trinity. The Latin verb procedere  thus expresses the internal relationship by which the Spirit is spoken of as coming from the Father and, in Western formulae, “from the Father and the Son.” That nuance underlies centuries of theological debate. The Latin West emphasized the communion of the Father and the Son; the East emphasized the Father as the single source of the Trinity. These differences, initially reconcilable, gradually symbolized deeper misunderstandings and contributed to the Great Schism of 1054. In unitate fidei : Call To Put Theology at the Service of Unity Pope Leo XIV published In unitate fidei  ahead of his journey to Turkey and the Nicaea commemoration; the letter summons Christians to renew their profession of faith in the Creed and to seek reconciliation rooted in prayer, listening and conversion. The Pope writes directly about old controversies and the need to move forward: We must therefore leave behind theological controversies that have lost their raison d’être in order to develop a common understanding and even more, a common prayer to the Holy Spirit, so that he may gather us all together in one faith and one love (No. 12). That paragraph is central: it reframes doctrinal differences as questions to be worked through by patient dialogue and spiritual ecumenism rather than unilateral declarations A Visit to Nicaea on the Council’s 1700th Anniversary Pope Leo XIV’s journey to Nicaea  ( now   İznik , the site traditionally associated with the Council of Nicaea), where the first ecumenical council met in 325, was therefore more than symbolic. As the Christian world marks   1,700 years since the Council of Nicaea, his visit reminded the Church of the council’s monumental role: defining Christ as “true God from true God,” safeguarding the faith from Arianism, and setting the foundation for all future councils. The Pope’s visit was an ecumenical gesture — a shared recitation of the Creed and public prayers with Orthodox and other Christian leaders — and as part of broader efforts to emphasize what unites Christians today. Media reports note the pastoral thrust of the trip while also recording varied local reactions. Greatness in the Small Here in Caceres, we are reminded that small things matter — in public life and in the life of faith. Just as an inserted phrase once altered the direction of Christian history, small acts of goodwill today — listening, openness, dialogue—can mend wounds once thought permanent. In a divided world, even a tiny word, spoken with truth and charity, still has the power to heal the Body of Christ.

A weekly pause to notice the hidden goodness woven into the rhythms of daily life Finding Joy After the Storms By Fr. Francis Tordilla After Typhoon Uwan passed, I found myself doing what so many others were doing—checking on people, calling friends, and trying to map out where help was needed most.  And now, as Tropical Depression Verbena approaches, the familiar question returns: Is it even possible to talk about happiness while storms—literal and emotional—keep crashing in? I think it is. But not the “good vibes only” kind that pretends nothing is wrong. I’m talking about the kind of joy that sits beside the mess, holds it honestly, and still notices the light coming through. Amid the rising public anger toward corruption, this article shifts the focus inward—toward the habits, skills, and small graces that help us grow happier and steadier each day. Arthur C. Brooks— Harvard scholar, writer, and an unlikely happiness coach—offers a 5-step gratitude practice that has helped me make sense of this. And honestly, the past weeks made his ideas feel less like theory and more like survival. Here are some of the key takeaways  I distilled from his podcast on Spotify and YouTube videos. The 5 Steps Toward a More Grateful Life 1. Don’t Just Feel It—Say It. Right after Uwan, we started organizing relief operations for Catanduanes. In just a matter of days, the Tomasinong Bikolano—our Tombiks family—showed up like they always do. Messages poured in. Willing donors, both members and non-members, appeared out of nowhere. We were able to pack food for 100 families—100 tables where meals were possible again. I remember pausing in the middle of the chaos, holding a pack of rice, and saying quietly, “Thank You.” Not to anyone in particular. Just naming the gratitude out loud. That simple act held me together. 2. Pay Attention to the Gift Itself.  When people donated, I could have focused on the generosity of the giver—of course, that mattered. But what stuck with me more was the thought: That meal will comfort a mother. That canned good will ease a father’s worry. That pack of noodles will make a child full tonight. Focusing on the gift helped me feel grounded, connected, and blessed. 3. Hold Your Blessings With Humility.  Gratitude hits differently when you realize how much of life is a gift. No matter how hard I work, I can’t claim credit for everything. Some blessings simply arrive—through people, through timing, through grace. Even my new morning habit has taught me humility. These days, I wake up early and, for the first time in a long time, I don’t reach for my phone. I just sit there on the edge of my bed—quiet, half-awake—letting the alpha waves settle. In that stillness, I feel it: I didn’t earn every good thing. I just received it. 4. Be Thankful Even for the Hard Parts.  No one asked for Uwan, and no one is excited about Verbena. But these storms reveal what comfort hides. They show us resilience, community, solidarity. They show us how much vigilant we should be when it comes to choosing our leaders. These storms show us that we endure—not because life is smooth, but because we walk together. I don’t romanticize hardship.  But I can say honestly: The storms taught me something about myself I would not have learned in calm weather. 5. When Something Good Happens, Don’t Rush Past It.  We live in a world that moves too fast. Even relief work can feel like a checklist if you’re not careful. But when we finished packing the last of the 100 food bundles, I didn’t rush to the next task. I stood there for a moment, sweaty and tired, looking at the mountain of yellow eco-bags. And I let the goodness linger. That pause felt like prayer. The same happens in the mornings—those first still minutes before the world intrudes.  That quiet is becoming one of my small joys. So… Can We Still Be Happy? Happiness feels like the wrong word for days like these. But steadiness ? Gratitude? A sense of being held, even while winds howl?  Yes. Absolutely. Because gratitude doesn’t deny the storms. It simply reminds us that storms are not the whole story. There is still grace to notice, people to thank, work to do, sunlight to stand in, and mornings to greet with quiet awe. And somehow, even through Uwan and Verbena, joy finds a way to stay.

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.