During the Holy Mass concluding the Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025 in the Diocese of San Pablo on December 27, San Pablo Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr. ordered the start of preparations for the 60th anniversary celebration of the diocese.
The year 2026 will mark the launch of two important initiatives in the diocese: the Diocesan Pastoral Program and the 60th Anniversary of the Erection of the Diocese of San Pablo.
Last December 5, during the celebration of Diocesan Day, the Diocesan Pastoral Office revealed the theme, logo, and song for the Diocesan Pastoral Program and presented the members of the Pastoral Planning Core Team. The Office also expressed its hope to complete the planning in time for the diocesan anniversary on November 2026.
The Diocesan Pastoral Program is an important element in setting the direction of the local Church. It seeks to identify the common goal of the Church in Laguna and, through the efforts of all sectors, to chart a path toward building up God’s Kingdom in the diocese. Planning the pastoral program will therefore be a demanding process, and the faithful will be asked to participate with renewed hope and fervent charity for the Church.
According to Bishop Maralit’s homily: “Tayo lahat ay sama-samang naglalakbay patungo kay Kristo… kaya’t napakahalagang maalala na hindi tayo naglalakbay mag-isa… kaya dapat tayo’y marunong maghintay, tumulong, at umunawa sa bawat miyembro ng Inang Simbahan.” (We are all journeying together toward Christ… that is why it is very important to remember that we are not journeying alone… that is why we must learn to wait, to help, and to understand every member of Mother Church.)
At the conclusion of the Jubilee Year of Hope and the beginning of a new year filled with hope and joyful anticipation, may the Catholic Church in the province of Laguna be filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit and continue to grow in the spirit of synodality.