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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Visayas devider Jaro Archbishop welcomes Easter in far-flung Gigantes Islands

Jaro Archbishop welcomes Easter in far-flung Gigantes Islands

Published Apr 5, 2026 03:10 pm
ARCHBISHOP Midyphil ‘Dodong’ Billones celebrates Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo. (Thonix Clicks)
ARCHBISHOP Midyphil ‘Dodong’ Billones celebrates Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo. (Thonix Clicks)
ILOILO CITY – Jaro Archbishop Midyphil “Dodong” Billones celebrated Easter Sunday in far-flung Islas de Gigantes (Gigantes Islands) in Carles, the northernmost town in Iloilo province.
More than a year after his appointment as the Archbishop of Jaro, Billones spent Holy Week in Gigantes to bring the Catholic Church closer to the people.
Billones recalled that it was a lady who expressed during a dialogue last year that the faithful in northern Iloilo province are often forgotten because of geography.
“The truth of the resurrection is the living encounter with the Risen Savior,” Billones said in his Easter message with the coast of Gigantes as backdrop.
He told the faithful that Easter can have “tremendous transformation” similar to those by Mary Magdalene, Saint Thomas the Apostle, and Saint Peter.
“In your grief, may you find hope and healing,” said Billones in reference to Mary Magdalene.
“For those who have doubt, may you renewal of faith,” Billones said, referring to Saint Thomas, who is also known as “Doubting Thomas.”
“And for those who experience fear, may you find conviction in following the Lord,” said Billones in reference to Saint Peter who became the first pope.
Billones was in the group of islands from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday that is gaining traction as a beach destination and for its scallops.

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Easter Sunday Archbishop Midyphil Billones Iloilo Gigantes Island Carles
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