GOLDEN SACERDOTAL ANNIVERSARY OF FR. FRANCIS LUCAS IN INFANTA

             Fr. Francis Lucas, President of the Catholic Media Network (CMN) and Director of the CBCP Franchise, invited us to celebrate his golden sacerdotal jubilee in Infanta. This special occasion brought me back to Infanta for the first time in ten years, the last visit being for the installation of Bishop Bernardino Cortez as the Bishop of the Prelature of Infanta.

Taking the scenic MARILAQUE route (Marikina-Rizal-Laguna-Quezon), we reached Infanta in just three hours by starting early to avoid traffic in the Cogeo area. On the way back, we took the opportunity to visit the nearby town of General Nakar, only a fifteen-minute drive from Infanta. We also stopped by the Regina RICA in Tanay, Rizal, which has become a popular pilgrimage site and retreat center, as well as a weekend destination for outings.

DIVINE INFANT OF JESUS OF PRAGUE AND ST. MARK CATHEDRAL PARISH (F-1578)
Infanta, Quezon

GENERAL NAKAR, QUEZON

The Municipal hall of General Nakar.

ST. ANNE AND JOACHIM PARISH (F-1949)
General Nakar, Quezon

REGINA RICA
Tanay, Rizal

A new Sisters' convent being constructed at the Regina RICA. 

The retreat center of Regina RICA

The Cathedral of the Diocese of Kidapawan and some churches in the diocese.

 

I was invited by the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (ECSA-JP) to participate in the Third Bike for Kalikasan, held in Cagayan de Oro City. The event featured a 26-kilometer mountain bike ride around the city, with over 250 bikers joining. Bishop Colin Bagaforo, Chairman of ECSA-JP, kindly brought an extra mountain bike from Kidapawan for me to use.

After the ride, we traveled to Kidapawan and stayed overnight. The next day, a Sunday, we attended the fiesta in M'lang, where Bishop Colin celebrated Mass. I had the chance to briefly reconnect with my relatives, the Piñol family, after the service.

Following the Mass, a parade was held through the town, featuring floats from various barangays, beautifully decorated with native fruits and ornaments. The parade concluded behind the church, where a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the construction of a new parish church.

On our return to Kidapawan, I was finally able to visit the Cathedral—a special moment for me as it was the last cathedral in the country I had yet to enter. Ten years ago, during my last visit to Kidapawan, I had only seen it from the outside as I passed by.

 In the afternoon, we proceeded to Davao City where a Dinner for a Cause was held at the Dakong Balay of the Reyes family for the Caritas Philippines.  Was able to pass by one more town of Cotabato, Makilala, which was along the way. 

OUR LADY MEDIATRIX OF ALL GRACE CATHEDRAL (F-1947)
Kidapawan City

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DIOCESAN SEMINARY CHAPEL
Bishop's Compound, Balindog, Kidapawan City

Bishop's House 
Kidapawan City

STA. TERESITA DEL NIÑO JESUS PARISH (1950)
Mlang, Cotabato

A souvenir picture with the Piñols after the mass. 

The Piñol brothers with Bp.Colin Bagaforo (l-r: Bong, Pat, Vice Gov. Efren & Vice Mayor Lito of Mlang) 

Bp. Colin leading the laying of the time capsule for the new church construction. 

STO. NIÑO DE CEBU PARISH (F-1954)
Makilala, Cotabato