By I. Inojales, Helen Castaño | 09:21 PM July 03, 2025
In a significant moment for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, the 2025 Annual Retreat and Synodal Consultation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) concluded Thursday, July 3, with a solemn Mass in Tagbilaran City, capping off a historic week in Bohol.
It was the first time that Bohol hosted the annual gathering of over 80 bishops and more than 100 synodal delegates — a move widely seen as a powerful gesture of the Church’s commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and reaching out to the peripheries.
The week-long event brought bishops, clergy, consecrated persons, and lay delegates together for deep spiritual reflection and open consultation — embodying Pope Francis’ vision of a listening and journeying Church.
Bishop Herman Abcede of Daet, who presided over the closing Mass with Bishops Jose Allan Dialogo (Sorsogon) and Isabelo Abarquez (Calbayog), emphasized in his homily the call to mission through unity in Christ.
“This is a call to mission,” Abcede said. “Let us do the BEST — Believe, Enter, See, and Touch.”
He urged participants to remain patient and committed, emphasizing that the path to synodality may be long, but it can be achieved through unity and mutual support.
Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in moments of prayer, spiritual renewal, and collaborative discernment. Many described the experience as transformative — renewing their dedication to communion, participation, and mission in their respective dioceses.
The CBCP retreat in Bohol is being hailed as a milestone not only for its first-ever venue in the Visayas, but for deepening the Church’s resolve to walk together as one people of faith.
The bishops will proceed to Anda town for the plenary assembly on June 5-7 to be hosted by the Diocese of Talibon.
