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Journeying Together in the Light of the Good Shepherd’s Love

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Through the years, the Church has continued to journey toward unity in faith and a shared mission of salvation. It envisions a community where the clergy, the religious, and the lay faithful work together as one people of God, united in the mission entrusted by Christ. The Church is called not only to be a praying community, but also a listening and caring companion to all, regardless of social status or condition in life. More than an ecclesial institution, the Church is a human community that seeks to understand, accompany, and respond to the realities of human existence with compassion, hope, and love. Our journey as a Church is not meant to be walked alone. We walk together—with one another, and most especially with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who knows His flock, guides them with love, and leads them toward life in abundance. In this Synodal Journey, we are invited to rediscover what it truly means to become a listening, welcoming, and missionary Church. Jesus says in the Gospel...
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A REACTION : The Excision of Courses in the Humanities and the Social sciences

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 As a social science teacher, I have always encouraged critical thinking in my classes. I make it a point that my final examinations (oftentimes extemporaneous speaking) include questions that require students to apply critical thinking skills. Personally, this is how I gauge my students’ intelligence - not only on the extent of their knowledge and understanding of social issues, but also the depth of their insight and analysis. Students who are merely good at memorizing theories and concepts do not impress me as much as those who are able to think beyond the box and relate these theories and concepts to real-life situations. For me, true learning is reflected in a student’s ability to analyze, interpret, and apply knowledge meaningfully to society and everyday life. Critical thinking and holistic learner development become difficult to be fully achieved when courses in the humanities and social sciences are radically removed from education. These disciplines cultivate reflecti...
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GRACE IN THE JOURNEY : WITNESSES OF SYNODAL CONVERSION

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  I have heard people say, “Daw buhi naman ang Simbahan sa Capiz.” Hearing this fills me with hope and gratitude. In my continued engagement with both the laity and the clergy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Capiz, I have witnessed a meaningful transformation. The laity have become more enthusiastic and confident, sensing that renewal is truly taking place. While challenges remain, they have grown more resilient and have learned to face difficulties with maturity and collaboration rather than hesitation. FROM INACTION TO ACTION There was one parish that initially seemed disengaged. During our consultation meetings, their participation appeared minimal and indifferent. I reached out through social media and phone calls, yet I could not connect with the designated focal person to address pending concerns. To my surprise, however, during the recent vicarial orientation, many of them were present. Half-jokingly, I remarked, “For sure, may ara na gid kamo i-submit nga report...
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The Laity of Capiz: A Generation of Heaven’s Blessing

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On January 27, 1951, Capiz was separated from the Archdiocese of Jaro and was established as a diocese by Pope Pius XII through the Bull of Erection Ex Supremi Apostolatus . Twenty-five years later, on January 17, 1976, the Diocese of Capiz was elevated to the rank of an archdiocese by Pope Paul VI, becoming the Metropolitan See of the Province of Capiz with Romblon and Kalibo as its suffragan dioceses. The celebration of a Jubilee in the life of the Church is more than a remembrance of years passed. It is a sacred moment of gratitude, reflection, and renewal . For the local Church of Capiz, the observance of its Diamond Jubilee as a Diocese and its Golden Jubilee as an Archdiocese recognizes not only the providence of God through time but also the faithful response of His people—especially the laity—whose dedication and service have helped shape the life and mission of the Church. The Second Vatican Council reminds us that the mission of the laity extends beyond the boundaries of ...
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PEOPLE POWER and the LAITY

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On February 25, 2026,  Commission on the Laity joined the Archdiocese of Capiz in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the People's Power Revolution. It was an afternoon of prayer, reflection, and renewed commitment, seeking once more to let the legacy of People Power reign in our hearts and in our nation — to heal the shattered hopes born from the struggle to topple dictatorship and uproot corruption. In this gathering we humbly ask forgiveness for having forgotten what we once fought for. At times, we have grown complacent and indifferent to the injustices unfolding in our society. We have allowed corruption to persist and political dynasties to entrench themselves, compromising the dignity of our people and deepening the wounds of poverty. In this celebration, we choose remembrance over indifference, vigilance over apathy, and courage over fear — so that the spirit of People Power may rise again, not only as a memory of the past, but as a living call to conscience and action. Th...
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As I Bid Farewell

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  As the days of my exit from the service draw near, the pangs of separation begin to set in. I find myself missing the people with whom I have shared almost four decades of memories — the hustling and bustling of daily work, the laughter, and even the tears. Faces of students who became part of my life flash in my mind, together with recollections of moments that touched my heart and left lasting marks on my soul. I admit, I tend to grow emotional and nostalgic as I prepare to leave a life I have embraced for so long. Yet, I remind myself not to cling to such feelings, for this is merely another chapter closing — and a new one about to begin in the ongoing drama of my life. Yes, I can’t simply shake off the memories. This is my second great separation — the first being my husband’s passing, and now, my retirement from service. Life brings changes, and each of us has our own way of coping and moving forward. I am now at the threshold of a new journey, and while it poses a challe...
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Relate mo Mam? . . . Sir?

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Relate Mo Ma'am? . . . Sir? Meet Teacher Aida.   For the past 35 years, she taught her subject using MP3 (Manila Paper), upgraded to MP4 (Manual Projector), then here comes Covid-19, she’s forced to present lessons in Video MPEG4, at the least. Teacher Aida’s eyesight have gone blurry with age and illness; her fingers have grown wrinkly and stiff and could hardly touch the right keys in her cellphone or laptop; her palm could hardly grasp the mouse because of arthritis; her back and neck hurt and her eyes squint for working long hours in front of the computer preparing for her added worksheets and slide presentations. On the brink of resigning, but with mouths to feed and children to be sent to school, she is forced to continue teaching and in turn learn the craft to keep abreast with the demands of her profession. Meet Teacher Fe. She’s young, idealistic, vivacious and computer savvy.  She’s quite adept with recent and relevant apps for online teaching.  She’s excit...
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