Archdiocese of Cáceres celebrates 75th anniversary

The Archdiocese of Cáceres celebrated its 75th anniversary as a metropolitan archdiocese during a solemn thanksgiving Mass at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The event coincided with the closing of the Union of Bicol Clergy gathering and the seventh day of the novena to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

During the anniversary Mass, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, emphasized the concept of a synodal Church, describing it as a “caravan” or a group of people traveling together toward a common destination. He stressed that every member of the Church has a vital role, stating, “No one is unnecessary. No one is useless. Everyone is valued.”

Archbishop Brown highlighted the importance of families in the faith, noting that parents are the most critical figures in passing Catholic traditions to younger generations. He also addressed the clergy, noting the priest's responsibility to bring the Eucharist to the faithful. The archdiocese, which was elevated to an archdiocese in 1951, focused its anniversary theme on participation and nurturing a growing Church.