In a pastoral letter to the faithful linked to the Lefebvrists but opposed to the break caused by the illegal episcopal ordinations in Écône that led to the schism, Bishop Ayuban offers specific pastoral support, opening the way to more opportunities of celebrating the Tridentine Mass. “Let us act with pastoral prudence, doctrinal clarity, and brotherly charity,” he writes.
During its meeting in Ozamis, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines met with the staff of the globally successful television series centred on the life of Jesus. The chapter on the Passion is due in early 2027. The potential for its pastoral use in the Church of Asia was highlighted. For Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, synodality means staying with those living on the margins.
The impeachment proceedings began today in the upper house in Manila against the Philippine vice president who has been charged, among other things, of mismanagement of public funds and death threats against President Marcos. Behind the scenes, the influence of opposing parties (and clans) is being played out, jeopardising the very credibility of the institution.
Since 2008, Gilda Fortunata G. Altez – founder of Voice in the Storm Counselling Advocacy – has handled more than 3,000 cases, including couples’ and individual sessions. Having lived with an abusive husband, she now offers psychological counselling “with God’s guidance” to those experiencing relationship crises. “Having been abused myself allows me to empathise with many wives.”
Thousands took part in the demonstration on EDSA, organised by the Council of Interfaith Leaders with the support of the Bishops’ Conference. The Bishop of Kidapawan, Monsignor Bagaforo, said: “Abuses of power, impunity and political dynasties must be tackled decisively in the interests of the common good.”
At the heart of the dispute is a plan by a local company covering almost 4,500 hectares of the ancestral lands of the Bugkalot/Ilongot indigenous people. The Bishop of Bayombong, Monsignor Elmer Mangalinao, celebrated Mass at a barricade erected by local committees opposing the project. The bishop said: “Caring for the land means caring for the poor”.
The Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Socrates Mesiona, has criticised the Manila government for issuing new deforestation permits to mining companies in what is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse habitats. “This way of acting gives the impression that there are two kinds of laws in our country: one for the rich and powerful, and one for the poor.”
The latest toll stands at 37 dead, four missing, and more than 450 injured. Bishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, has called on all Filipinos to contribute aid to the relief effort. Many parts of the earthquake-stricken area are still without power. Homes have been destroyed, and more than a thousand people have been evacuated, including in Indonesia.
The death toll now stands at 32, with 12 missing, following this morning's 7.8-magnitude earthquake, with its epicentre at sea. The tsunami warning has been lifted. Damage has been reported at the Divine Mercy Shrine, Lake Sebu, and several parish churches. The Conference of Major Superiors of the Philippines calls for prayers and solidarity with displaced families.
On 25 May, the Dicastery for Evangelisation issued an official decree granting international status to the shrine, the second in Catholic-majority Philippines. The formal declaration will be held on 23 September, the feast day of the saint from Pietralcina.
Announced yesterday, the body includes Cardinal David, bishop of Kalookan, former International Criminal Court Judge Pangalangan, and a prominent medical doctor. It will assist survivors and grieving families in their quest for the truth about one of the most painful chapters in the country’s recent history. Reports and recommendations on its work will be published every six months.
In a pastoral statement on peace, signed by Archbishop Garcera, the bishops’ conference calls for “mutual respect” and “dialogue” between cultures and religions, amid conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere. The prelates encourage Catholic communities to hope and show solidarity towards vulnerable people. The statement mentions overseas Philippine workers and the environmental damage caused by war, stressing that “every human life is sacred.”
The Catholic Bishops' Conference has called for a fair trial against the vice president, in compliance with the constitution, a necessary step “to restore our people’s faith and confidence in our public institutions”. Meanwhile, dela Rosa, former President Duterte's ally and right-hand man in the war on drugs, fled the Senate after a standoff to avoid arrest.
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