Philippine Diocese Marks Golden Jubilee with Call to Renew Synodal Mission

The Diocese of Kalibo in Aklan Province, Western Visayas, in the central Philippines, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on July 15 with a Eucharistic celebration attended by Church leaders from across the country, who called on the faithful to renew their commitment to synodality, evangelization, and missionary service.

The jubilee Mass at the Cathedral Parish of St. John the Baptist in Kalibo was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown and concelebrated by about 26 bishops, including Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila.

In his homily, Archbishop Brown recalled that although the Diocese of Kalibo was established by Pope St. Paul VI in 1976, the Catholic faith in Aklan traces its roots to the arrival of Augustinian missionaries in 1581.

He said the Church exists to bring Christ, the "water of life," to the world through the sacraments and encouraged the local Church to continue sharing that gift with future generations.

Reflecting on the jubilee, Cardinal Advincula urged Catholics to see the anniversary not simply as a celebration of the past but as a renewed commitment to building a synodal Church.

"A synodal Church is one where every member realizes that he or she has a place, a voice and a mission in the Church," the cardinal said.

Referring to the jubilee theme, "Kita Simbahan, Kita Kaibahan" ("We are Church, We are Together"), he said synodality means walking alongside those who struggle, the poor, those who have drifted from the faith, and all who seek hope and meaning.

Cardinal Advincula also highlighted the Diocese of Kalibo's devotion to the Santo Niño as an example of humility, trust, and missionary joy. He encouraged the faithful to make childlike faith the foundation of their ministries and pastoral outreach.

He stressed that the Church must look beyond its own communities by accompanying families, caring for creation, defending human dignity, serving the poor, and bringing hope to those on the margins.

"A synodal Church cannot remain inward-looking," he said. "Walking together always leads us outward to evangelize."

In a separate message, Kalibo Bishop Cyril Villareal described the diocese as "a precious gift" to the people of Aklan and said its Golden Jubilee should mark a new beginning rather than a conclusion.

"Fifty does not mean retirement... but a fresh restart and reset," he said.

Bishop Villareal acknowledged challenges facing the diocese, including an aging clergy, aging church facilities, and growing pastoral demands, but expressed confidence that the jubilee would renew the local Church's missionary spirit.

The Diocese of Kalibo was created in 1976 after being separated from the Archdiocese of Capiz. The Golden Jubilee celebration came nearly three months after Bishop Villareal was installed as the diocese's fifth bishop.