The Diocese of Kalibo in Aklan has begun preparations for its golden jubilee celebration in 2026.
Diocese of Kalibo (Facebook)
A holy mass presided over by Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc was held at the Kalibo Cathedral on July 15 to formally launch the three-year preparation for its 50th anniversary celebration.
Hundreds of the Catholic faithful in Kalibo joined the solemn procession that preceded the Eucharistic celebration.
“This extraordinary year of faith will be a time of profound spiritual renewal and conversion for our diocese. Let us open our hearts and minds to God’s invitation to encounter His mercy and love in a deeper way,” Bishop Tala-oc said in his homily.
“Through various liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages, works of charity, and acts of devotion, we will grow in holiness and strengthen our bonds as the people of God,” he added.
The Church leader also led the unveiling of the logo for the diocese’s golden jubilee.
“The logo for the diocese’s golden jubilee captures the essence of our journey together. It invites us to embrace our baptismal call and to share the joy of the Gospel,” Bishop Tala-oc said in a CBCP News post.
“We pray and dream to journey as one family of God, one community of God, and one Church of Christ’s disciples. We walk together, and we journey together,” the prelate said.
The Diocese of Kalibo has just hosted the 126th plenary assembly of the CBCP.
The diocese was created by Pope Paul IV on January 17, 1976, and erected on July 15, 1976, as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Capiz.
Since its establishment, the diocese had been served by four prelates including Bishop Juan Nilmar from 1976 to 1992, Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes from 1992 to 2002, and Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo from 2003 to 2009.
Bishop Tala-oc, 73, has been serving as the diocese’s fourth bishop since 2011.
Aside from Bishops Reyes and Tala-oc, Aklan has produced other Church leaders such as the first Filipino Archbishop Gabriel M. Reyes, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Bishop Ciceron Tumbocon, and Bishop Raul Martirez.
Currently the diocese comprises six vicariates, 24 parishes, and two mission stations.