Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa has officially begun his new role as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The CBCP elected Garcera during its 130th plenary assembly on July 5 in a break from the conference’s tradition of electing the previous vice president, in this case Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara of Pasig, to serve in the role. The last time the conference opted not to elect its vice president was in 2011. Garcera, who has advocated for synodality within the Filipino Church, comes to the leadership position amid national instability due to government corruption and natural disasters. Garcera’s predecessor, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, served two four-year terms. Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga will act as Garcera’s vice president, and their terms will run until Nov. 30, 2027. “I hope you will pray for me, because the cross that was placed on me is very heavy,” Garcera said in a video message on Facebook after his election.
A Family Where Faith Inspired Six Sisters to Religious Life
In the mist-covered hills of Venappara in Kerala, the Kallidukkil family became a remarkable witness to faith and vocation. Thomas and Thresiamma Kallidukkil raised their
