The Diocese of Kalibo is on the cusp of a momentous occasion as it prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee. Fifty years of vibrant faith, spiritual growth, and community development deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated with great enthusiasm. It serves as a rallying call to all of us the faithful of Aklan, urging us to actively participate and prepare for this remarkable milestone in our spiritual journey.
1. Reflecting on the Past:
The Golden Jubilee provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the rich history of the Diocese of Kalibo. It is a time to remember the struggles, achievements, and milestones that have shaped the spiritual landscape of the community since it was Christianized by the Augustinian and Recollect friar-missionaries in the 16th century. The Diocese of Kalibo which comprises the whole province of Aklan was created by Pope Paul VI in 1976 with Most. Rev. Juan N. Nilmar as the first bishop. By understanding and appreciating the journey of the Diocese, the faithful can gain a deeper sense of gratitude for the blessings received and the challenges overcome.
2. Renewing the Faith:
A Jubilee celebration is not just about commemorating the past; it is also a time of renewal and recommitment. The Golden Jubilee calls for the faithful of the Diocese of Kalibo to rekindle their faith, strengthen their relationship with God, and deepen their understanding of the Church’s teachings. This can be achieved through participation in the programs organized by the diocese during the three-year preparation. The faithful are also encouraged to join in retreats, spiritual workshops, Catholic conferences, pilgrimages, and engage in acts of mercy and charity.
3. Fostering Unity:
The Golden Jubilee celebrations provide an ideal platform to foster unity within the Diocese of Kalibo. It is an occasion that brings together people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life. Through collaborative efforts, the faithful can organize events, forums, and cultural programs that celebrate the diverse talents and gifts present in the community. This unity strengthens the bonds of fellowship, leading to a more synodal diocesan family.
4. Preserving and Sharing the Legacy:
The Golden Jubilee is an opportunity for us to preserve the history and heritage of the Diocese of Kalibo for future generations. By documenting stories, gathering photographs, and collecting artifacts, the faithful can create a lasting legacy that showcases their faith journey. Additionally, this is an ideal time to share the unique traditions and practices of the Diocese with others, fostering a sense of pride and inspiration among the faithful.
5. Embracing Outreach and Evangelization:
The Golden Jubilee celebrations should not be limited to internal festivities. It is a time to reach out to those who are marginalized, forgotten, or spiritually lost. Please initiate outreach programs, charitable activities, and evangelization efforts to spread the message of love, compassion, and faith to the broader community. In doing so, we the faithful of the Diocese of Kalibo can truly embody the mission of the Church and demonstrate our commitment to serving others.
Tomorrow, on July 15, 2023, we will mark the beginning of the three-year preparation for the momentous 50th Anniversary of the Diocese of Kalibo. This significant event will be graced with various activities, including the unveiling and blessing of the Jubilee Logo and Jubilee Cross, as well as the presentation of the Jubilee Prayer and Jubilee Hymn, which will accompany us throughout the three-year preparation.
The day will commence with a procession at 8:30 AM, starting from Pastrana Park and leading towards the Cathedral. This procession will be a symbol of unity and reverence as we embark on this remarkable journey together.
Following the procession, at 9:00 AM, a Solemn High Mass will be held. This momentous occasion will serve as a cornerstone for the Golden Jubilee, filling our hearts with devotion and gratitude as we reflect upon the rich history and blessings bestowed upon the Diocese of Kalibo.
Let us join hands and hearts in this celebration, as we honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future filled with faith, love, and grace.
Fr. Justy F. More, S.Th.L.,M.A. is the Vice Chancellor of the Diocese of Kalibo in the central Philippines. He is also the Director of the Diocesan Commission on Sacred Liturgy and the Director of the Christian Formation and Development Center of the Aklan Catholic College.
