Annual gathering of Religious Communities focuses on hope and the call to a Synodal Church

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.