Archdiocese of Caceres celebrates 75 years with renewed commitment to mission and collaborative governance

By Jonnah Abellano

The Archdiocese of Caceres marked a significant milestone on June 29, 2026, celebrating the 75th anniversary of its elevation to an archdiocese. Rather than focusing on grand celebrations, the observance emphasized “system-building,” highlighting efforts to strengthen structures that promote greater participation of the faithful in the life and mission of the Church. To ensure long-term pastoral vitality, the Archdiocese introduced four updated structural frameworks designed to promote greater collaboration and stewardship.

During an assembly held at the Legaspi Hall of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, representatives from key councils and commissions presented updated directives. Ms. Julma Narvadez introduced revised guidelines for the Parish Pastoral Council, aiming to deepen the collaborative role of the laity in parish life. Atty. Eusebio Alvina outlined updated protocols for the Parish Finance Council, emphasizing transparency and shared responsibility in financial stewardship. 

Following this, Architect Mariel May Gamalinda presented new directives for the ACCESS (Archdiocese of Caceres Commission for the Conservation of Ecclesiastical Structures), highlighting the community’s shared responsibility in preserving the Church's physical heritage. Lastly, Maricar T. Cortez, coordinator of the Caceres Youth Commission, discussed the revised by-laws designed to provide young people with more meaningful opportunities to engage in the Church's mission.

In a forward-looking initiative, the promulgation decree declared the four documents ad experimentum, or valid for a one-year trial period. This approach avoids rigid finalization of structures, promoting a listening Church that remains open to evaluation, feedback, and revision. Over the next year, the Archdiocese will gather input from the faithful to ensure that the implemented systems are responsive to pastoral needs.

From intellectual fellowship to spiritual communion

Following the presentation of these frameworks, the celebration transitioned to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral for a Solemn Thanksgiving Mass, presided over by the Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, Archbishop of Caceres. In his homily, he remarked, “Ngonian na siniselebrar ta an ika-75 anibersaryo kan arkidiocesis, giniguirumdom ta man an satong naka-agi. An memorya ta an nagtatahi sa naka-agi asin nagtatao nin kahulugan sa mga nangyayari asin mangyayari sato. Ining selebrasyon, dae lang pagguirumdom kan naka-agi, kundi kan karahayan nin mahal na Diyos na iyong ginigikanan kan gabos na karahayan.”

Archbishop Alarcon emphasized that the newly launched documents represent milestones in the Church's journey, describing them as fruits of collective memory, shaped by past reflections, shared decisions, aspirations, and established systems meant to guide the community's continued progress. He further stressed the importance of community, noting that there are many voices and diverse perspectives; no single individual can recall everything. Recounting history should involve the wider community, as the memory of the Church is collective, shaped and enriched by all.

Thus, he called on parish priests, lay leaders, and ministry coordinators to safeguard this shared memory of faith and community. “As one Church”, he said, “the faithful are called to walk together in solidarity, accompanying those who are lost, supporting those who are burdened, and continuing the shared journey of faith.” 

As the Archdiocese of Caceres enters its diamond jubilee year, it reaffirms its commitment to a synodal path of renewal, marked by participation, accountability, and shared mission. The initiatives launched during the general assembly are expected to guide the local Church in strengthening its pastoral structures while remaining attentive to the lived experiences of the faithful it serves. 

Photos courtesy of Jerwin Dumalasa