Philippines: Calapan Clergy Renew Vows as Bishop Reflects on Diocese Status at Chrism Mass

A day after Pope Leo XIV elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan—located in Oriental Mindoro in the central Philippines—to a diocese, the clergy gathered on March 26 at Sto. Niño Cathedral for the Chrism Mass, where they renewed their priestly vows with Bishop Moises M. Cuevas.

Anchoring his homily on the theme of renewal—drawn from their recollection, “Enlarge the space of your tent”—Bishop Cuevas urged priests, religious, seminarians, and lay faithful to listen first to God’s action in their lives and communities.

“Let us first listen to what God is doing in His people and in us—His servants,” the bishop said, drawing a warm response from the congregation.

Reflecting on the Gospel and the prophecy of Isaiah, he emphasized that mission originates from God. “It is God who acts—He anoints and sends. The mission did not remain with Christ alone,” he said.

Quoting the Book of Revelation, he highlighted the shared vocation of all believers: “He has made us a kingdom, priests for His God and Father.” He stressed that the anointing is now shared with all God’s people, making the entire Church participants in Christ’s mission.

Bishop Cuevas described the elevation to a diocese as a visible sign of God “expanding the tent” of the local Church. “This step is an important moment in our journey. Becoming a diocese is a sign that God has expanded our tent,” he said.

He briefly outlined what this transition means: it affirms the maturity of faith in Oriental Mindoro, calls the local Church to greater responsibility in pastoral and financial life, entrusts governance more fully to the diocesan bishop and local structures, and strengthens the mission of evangelization.

“The whole Church recognizes that the faith in this land has grown and borne fruit,” Bishop Cuevas said, expressing gratitude to missionaries—especially the Society of the Divine Word—along with religious, clergy, and lay faithful.

He emphasized that the life of the new diocese belongs to all. “We are called to listen, to participate, to collaborate, and to help one another,” he said, adding that the Church must continue to grow as a community of faith, especially attentive to the poor.

Echoing the missionary call of Pope Francis, he urged the faithful to remain committed to evangelization as “missionary disciples.”

During the Chrism Mass, the blessing of the holy oils served as a reminder of God’s ongoing work. “These oils are signs that the Spirit of God continues to act—He anoints us, sends us, and expands His tent,” the bishop said.

Entrusting the new diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Cuevas concluded by calling the faithful to live out their renewed identity with gratitude, responsibility, and missionary zeal.