Philippines’ Cubao diocese celebrates 20 years, faithful called to “walk and work together”

The Diocese of Cubao in the Philippines celebrated the 20th anniversary of its canonical erection, and its bishop invited the faithful to "walk and work together" for them to do more and be more.

"We all would like everybody to be part of the journey," said Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco. "No one is left behind and stays at the margins… We have all received some gifts from the Spirit, and these [are] meant to be shared and not to be kept.

In his homily during the Thanksgiving Mass at Cubao Cathedral on August 28, the bishop saluted the hard work of the three pillars of the diocese: the clergy, the religious and consecrated persons, and the laypeople.

"We thank God for the gift of people," he said. "They are the ones who allow the light of God to shine through."

"The diocese must radiate the light of Jesus to the world," he further said. "We journey together, following the movement of the Spirit, the Spirit that brings unity, healing, wisdom, and joy, as we carry out our mission."

Bishop Ongtioco underlined the importance of different circles of discernment and religious conversations that allow every individual to share their gifts with others, particularly through Basic Ecclesial Communities.

"Here, a person shares proclaims what he or she has been richly blessed, while at the same time, listening to others who have much to tell about their own stories, their dreams and desires," explained the bishop. "This process eventually develops in us a culture of listening and dialoguing, leading to the real essence of Synodality."

The prelate said that everyone must make a difference in the world simply by witnessing.

"Our witnessing might be expressed in simple ways, and yet its impact in people's lives would often go beyond in ways we do not expect," he said. "It can transform lives and move people to embrace the way of Christ and become bearers of the Good News."

Bishop Ongtioco also shared several updates regarding the diocese’s growth.

Most notable among them is the establishment of the Diocesan Tribunal, which is currently the biggest tribunal in the Philippines with more than 30 officials and more than a hundred lay collaborators.

The prelate also revealed that the Diocese of Cubao had established a standardized system for living allowances of the clergy, the first in the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila.

Moreover, he stated that they have implemented a regularization of salary and benefits for church employees, which also includes housing assistance.

On June 28, 2003, Pope John Paul II established the Diocese of Cubao, and Bishop Ongtioco became the first Ordinary on August 28, 2003.

According to him, 19 priests have been ordained since the diocese was established. They also have 93 congregations of religious women, 42 congregations of religious men, two minor basilicas, three national shrines, and four diocesan shrines. -Luke Godoy