Santhos Digal

ahead of the vote, they play a ‘crucial role’ in guaranteeing the electoral process. On 5 August, a MiRLeC meeting was considered a ‘moment of shared introspection’ and a ‘project for a fairer electoral future.’ StAengthening the process of knowledge, especially among young people, to prevent ‘manipulation.’

In the Jubilee Year, a group of 12 Catholics is promoting pastoral care in prisons. “Mission in Prison” wants to give prisoners “hope and faith that God loves them even in the darkest moments.” The project is led by Manuben, himself a former prisoner who wants to “make prison a place of prayer.”

Dioceses mobilised with solidarity and assistance networks. From hot meals distributed by the Perpetual Help Kitchen to shelters offered in parishes in Manila and Quezon City. Priests, volunteers and institutions such as Adamson University are reaching out to those most affected. Maria Teresa, mother of a victim: ‘We have not been abandoned.’

The sacrament of Christian initiation was administered to 67 children and 42 adults. The group lives in Zamboanga Peninsula and belongs to Subanen ethnic group. Largely animist, the Subanen have a rich cultural heritage. Despite the bad weather, Bishop Caérmare personally celebrated the rite, a gift of God to the Church.

The facility run by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd celebrated 25 years of service to survivors of gender-based violence and street life. It is a haven where, with work and education, girls can overcome neglect and trauma. Some speak about their experience, about rediscovering “the delight of childhood again” and having “faith that no one will harm or mistreat me.”

The authorities have awarded the archbishop the highest civil honour. Among the reasons given were his exemplary contribution to the city and for having made gestures with a high social impact on its inhabitants. In his speech, the prelate urged everyone to continue to ‘serve one another in hope, faith and humility’.

The NYD is underway centred on the theme "Youth Empowerment for Nation Building". Local families are hosting young people from all Philippine dioceses and 22 Catholic organisations. This is a first step towards WYD Seoul 2027. Meanwhile, in today's Consistory, Leo XIV announced that Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis will be proclaimed saints on 7 September, Peter to Rot on 19 October, Missionary Day.

The priest is one of the few who knows the Filipino Sign Language. His choice goes back to a meeting with a group of deaf people during the papal visit in 2015. Ministering the sacraments, starting with confession, represents a challenge. Working with Setsunan University in Osaka has been a success.

Since December, Sister Liza Ruedas, a nun of the Daughters of Charity, has launched an awareness campaign ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for May 12. The goal is to increase “awareness and participation in political change.” The Catholic Church of the Philippines has consecrated itself to Divine Mercy in the face of the "serious challenges" facing both the country and the world.

Archbishop of Manila since 2021, Card José Fuerte Advincula is one of the main supporters of a missionary magisterium. At 73, he is in line with the synodal vision of Pope Francis. A strong promoter of inclusion, of listening to varied groups like women, LGBTQ+ people and workers, he supports education as a way to social redemption. He is open to the pastoral challenges of the present, such as the proposed divorce law in the Philippines.

The 65-year-old bishop of Kalookan is one of three Filipino cardinals in the conclave. As a priest, bishop, and then cardinal he always showed a missionary attention for the downtrodden. He was the strongest voice against former President Duterte's "war on drugs" and promoted rehabilitation programmes for drug addicts. He warns against looking at the conclave as a horse race, highlighting the sacredness of the election of a pontiff.

A priest's initiative in Quezon City To help people live the journey towards Easter as a ‘time of penance, conversion and grace through the sacraments’. He started last Friday in View River: ‘I bring the Church to the people’.