The Diocese of Virac formally concluded its 50th anniversary celebration on Aug. 27 with a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the unveiling of a three-year pastoral plan that will guide its mission moving forward.
Canonically established in August 1974, the diocese marked its Golden Jubilee as a local Church, reflecting on five decades of faith and community.
Bishop Luisito Occiano of Virac described the milestone as a testament to God’s enduring faithfulness.
“For 50 years, the Lord has walked with us, guiding our journey, sustaining our faith and making us true pilgrims of hope under the maternal care of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception,” he said in his message.
Occiano emphasized that while the Jubilee has ended, the Church’s mission continues.
“We open a new chapter of faith. Strengthened by our past, we look forward with renewed hope—rooted in Christ, growing in love for the Church, and walking together as a family of God.”
The bishop, who is also chairman-elect of the CBCP Committee on Synodal Transformation, reminded the faithful that the Church is not only composed of clergy but also of the entire people of God—“journeying together, listening to each other, and discerning the voice of God.”
“Guided by the Holy Spirit, we face the future,” he added.
3-year pastoral plan
During the Mass, Fr. Stephen Polo, secretary of the diocesan Office of Pastoral Plan, presented the three-year roadmap. He said the program centers on Christ’s threefold ministry: prophetic, priestly and kingly.
The remaining months of 2025 will serve as a preparatory phase, focusing on consultation, alignment, and groundwork.
“The diocese aims to journey together, fostering unity, communion and mission,” Polo said.
In 2026, the pastoral focus will be on the prophetic ministry of Christ, with diocesan-wide formation programs aimed at increasing Church participation by 30 percent.
The year 2027 will emphasize Christ’s priestly mission, prioritizing the deepening of communion and the strengthening of Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs).
By 2028, the diocese will shift to Christ’s kingly mission, focusing on stewardship, service, and active mission.
“The mission is inspired by John 10:10,” Polo explained. “‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’”
To respond to contemporary pastoral needs, the diocese has also established new ministries and offices, including Counseling Ministries for youth and married couples; offices dedicated to the youth social media ministry and the LGBTQIA+ community; and a newly formed Office for Grandparents.
Synodal vision
In his homily, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres reflected on the meaning of being a diocese, describing it as “a community rooted in the Trinity.” He also underscored the importance of the synodal journey ahead.
“We all share a single journey—the pilgrimage to the Father’s house,” Alarcon said. “May our Jubilee celebration bring us back to our focus.”
The Diocese of Virac was created from the Diocese of Legazpi, with the late Bishop Jose Sorra as its first prelate. Sorra’s pastoral priorities centered on the youth and the poor.
He was succeeded by Bishop Emeritus Manolo de los Santos, whose 30-year leadership saw the establishment of more parishes, increased vocations, and the development of BECs.
Occiano, the third and current bishop of the diocese, now leads Virac into a new era shaped by synodality, mission and renewal.
