By CBCP News The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines offered comfort and prayer to the Diocese of Masbate following the death of Bishop Jose Bantolo. In a letter of condolence, CBCP president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa called Bantolo’s death “a profound loss not only for the diocese but for the whole Church.” “His quiet dedication and thoughtful presence enriched our episcopal fraternity,” Garcera said. Bantolo died Saturday evening at age 65.

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

The Ordination to the Sacred Order of Presbyters of Rev. Fr. Joseph B. Bascuña and Rev. Fr. Leoneil Arce B. Belen was held last Dec. 13, Saturday, at the Basilica Minore de Peñafrancia. The solemn eucharistic celebration was presided over by Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon. Also present were Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD and Virac Bishop Emeritus Manolo de los Santos. (Photo credit: Archdiocese of Caceres Facebook page)

Third Sunday of Advent First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us. Second Reading: James 5:7-10 Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11 When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their s

By CBCP News Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa on Dec. 1 officially assumed the presidency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Garcera, elected during the CBCP’s 130th plenary assembly in July, succeeds Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, who served two terms of four years. David is currently the vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. As president, Garcera will lead the conference, oversee its work, and serve as its main sp

By Julma M. Narvadez On this Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice in the midst of Advent. Today’s readings shine with the light of steadfast hope, reminding us that joy is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of God drawing near. Isaiah speaks of blooming deserts —a sign of life where none was expected. The Psalm exalts a God who lifts up the lowly and brings justice to the oppressed. James urges us to be patient, like farmers awaiting a good harvest. In the Gospel, Jesus reaf

By YAR Osea/The Varsitarian Catholic Digital Missionaries must remember the value of community in their ministry, a Thomasian Archbishop said during the 14th Catholic Social Media Summit in Manila on Friday, Dec. 5. Caceres Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Commission on Social Communications, reminded content creators that they do not work alone. “We need others [because] we are a community. We go out on miss

Second Sunday of Advent First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 R. (cf. 7) Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9 Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the

Dear Father Bill, Tano ta kaipuhan na taon taon igwa kan panahon nin Adviento sa Simbahan? Sa mga komersiante baga saka kadaklan na harong, an piglalaag na iyo an mga parol saka Christmas decors bako pang Advent. Papano daw magiging mas maka hulugan an pag-observar kan Adviento kan lambang Cristiano? An minagalang, Isabel Dear Isabel, Sa Simbahan na Catolico, an panahon nin Adviento igwa nin apat na Domingo kun saen pinapagiromdom kita kan halaga ni Cristo sa satong buhay, i

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 Par

The Archdiocese of Caceres joined the 2nd Trillion Peso March last November 29. This in solidarity with thousands of protesters across the country who lobbied for transparency and accountability last November 30, 1st Sunday of Advent, coinciding with Bonifacio Day. Photo credit for rally: Maria Ge-Anne Ledesma)

First Sunday of Advent First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14 Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44 Jesus said to his disciples: "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not kn

Dear Father Bill, Nadangog ko na patapos na an kalendaryo kan simbahan. Ano po tabi an boot sabihon kaini? Dai pa man po baga tapos an taon. Paano ini? An minagalang, Jing Dear Jing, Pareho an ginagamit na kalendaryo kan simbahan asin kan estado. Ini an inaapod tang Gregorian calendar na hinimo ni Pope Gregory XIII kan taon 1582. Kun an sarong estado o nacion igwa nin official holidays na pigse-celebrar sa bilog na taon, igwa man kaiyan an Simbahan. An kalendaryo kan simba

By Tessa Gervasini/CNA Pope Leo XIV spoke to teenagers during a digital encounter at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday in Indianapolis during the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC). Five teenagers asked the pope questions regarding using technology, recovering from mistakes, giving worries to Jesus, avoiding distractions, and preparing for the future of the Church. The pope gave guidance to the young crowd with words applicable to both teenagers and the universal Church

On November 18, Sem. John Paul Solevit, Seminary Students’ Council President, and Sem. Adriel Soreta, Seminary Health Committee Chairman, attended a whole-day seminar organized by the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) Poison Control Center in celebration of National Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week. The event was held at the BMC New Emergency Department. The sessions featured talks including “The Allure and Dangers of Online Shopping: From ‘Add to Cart’ to ‘Can’t Stop’,” which