Chairman-elect of the CBCP Committee on Synodal Transformation calls Bicol clergy to fraternity, innovation and authentic witnessing

By Natalie Hazel Quimlat

In his homily for the closing mass of the Union of Bicol Clergy (UBC) last Sept 18 at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Bishop Luisito Occiano of Virac highlighted the importance of renewing “one’s identity as [part of the] Bicol clergy” and what it truly means to be a son of ‘Ina’. 

Occiano likened the annual gathering of priests to coming home to a mother who “welcomes with much love and affection” and how this renews the “fire of the mission”. Camaraderie, he said, also “brings joy to the gift of vocation”. But, the Virac prelate also warned the Clergy that “the real test of devotion happens after the fiesta”, when each has gone back to his own parish.

Three challenges were presented by Occiano as “one brings Christ to every searching heart”: fraternity, innovation and authentic witnessing. 

According to the prelate, envy and comparison fuel rivalry and weakens the brotherhood. “This affects the people we serve.” Because there is no perfect presbyterium, Occiano told the Clergy to be supportive of each other, to accept each other’s shortcomings and failures, and to forgive one another.

He also urged the Clergy to “embrace innovation with the heart of the Gospel”. He said that innovation is not limited to having digital presence alone, but also a change of mindset -“to try new pastoral approaches, collaborate with the laity and welcome inclusivity”, especially now that the Church calls for synodality.

Ultimately, Occiano called on the Clergy “to be the face of Christ -in the way we live, in the way we relate and in the way we serve”. Authentic witnessing provides inspiration to others to do the same. 

“A priest who lives authentically can draw people closer to Christ more than any eloquent homily,” he said.

The prelate also asked the faithful to pray for the Clergy, to be understanding as well as forgiving. 

Earlier in the week, the UBC opened with the Bicol Regional Pastoral Conference, wherein the Clergy gathered to talk on Synodality. Some of the highlights of the discussion were continued lay formation, early formation for seminarians and a “special focus on the family and youth”. Establishing Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) was also identified as a significant tool for evangelization and in encouraging meaningful, inclusive participation in the Church. 

The Diocese of Virac won as the over-all Champion of the annual UBC games and as the winner of the Cabalquinto AVP Awards, with its presentation “Tintirohan: An Banaag nin Paglaom sa Islang Maogma”.