Philippines: Church Group Gathers Families for Valentine Concert-Recollection in Calapan
More than 500 faithful gathered on Friday night, February 13, for a Valentine concert-recollection under the theme, “Love one another” (John 13:34) in Xevera, Neo-Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines.
Organized by the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan–Men of St. Joseph (AVC-MoSJ) at The Shrine in Xevera, the event featured songwriter and singer Coach Mimo Perez and friends in an evening of music, reflection, and prayer focused on strengthening Filipino families.
“The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan–Men of St. Joseph is a Spirit-led movement that seeks to empower men and fathers to live out and share God’s message of love within their families and communities,” said Fr. Romeo “RV” Villavicencio, diocesan spiritual director of AVC-MoSJ and lead organizer of the concert-recollection.
In his message, Bishop Moises M. Cuevas of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan urged families to become “families loved in order to love.”
“Make families stronger,” Bishop Cuevas said, stressing that strong homes form the foundation of both Church and society.
The bishop thanked Fr. Villavicencio, families, lay leaders, the youth, the Sts. Peter and Paul Chaplaincy, Coach Mimo and his group, and the organizing staff for their contributions to the event.
Love as Decision, Mission
The gathering combined music and reflection with discussions on pressing social concerns such as mental health and corruption.
Cuevas emphasized that good governance begins with good citizenship, which flows from authentic discipleship and grateful hearts.
“Love is not only a feeling but a decision. Even amid struggles, we choose to love,” he said.
He underscored the role of men, inspired by St. Joseph, in forming responsible and committed families. By strengthening fathers and shaping their consciences, he said, communities can cultivate responsible citizens and eventually promote better governance.
The bishop also called for the revitalization of small neighborhood Christian communities, echoing the teaching of Pope John Paul II that the family is a “domestic church.”
Families, he said, must learn to pray together, forgive one another, and serve, making every home a living Church.
Part of 75th Anniversary Preparations
The Valentine concert-recollection forms part of the activities leading to the 75th anniversary of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan. Church leaders said the vicariate is mapping out a three-year pastoral journey centered on love.
This year continues the call to widen the experience of God’s love — not only within families but especially toward the marginalized and those in need — in line with the Church’s synodal theme of communion, participation, and mission.
Cuevas also invited attendees to a faith-driven “Lakbayan Laban sa Katiwalian” (Journey Against Corruption), which will combine prayer, reflection, and civic action on February 25, in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. The Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan will lead the observance.
Fr. Villavicencio said similar concert-recollections are scheduled in the towns of Bulalacao and Roxas, with future legs planned in Socorro and other areas of Oriental Mindoro.
“As we move through 2026, with the help of Mary, may we deepen our experience of being loved by God,” Cuevas said.
