Charismata - Diocese of Iligan Commission on Media and Communications

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

EDITORIAL:
CHARIS: WHEN CHARISMS BECOME SERVICE

The deepest meaning of the charismatic experience is not the spectacular manifestation of a gift, but the transformation of a person into an instrument of service.

Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, a Franciscan Capuchin’s own journey illustrates this powerfully.

For him, the Charismatic Renewal was not merely a theological concept but an experience of the Holy Spirit that transformed his relationship with Christ and redirected his gifts toward proclamation and service. He emphasized that charisms are never given for personal glorification, but “for the good of the community, for service.”

Famous theologian Karl Rahner provides theology of charism, that the Spirit as the living force animates the Church, whose life is both hierarchical and charismatic. The Spirit continually renews the Church through diverse gifts and vocations.

While Archbishop Bruno Forte’s charism, describes vision of synodality brings this into ecclesial life: different gifts must converge in communion, participation and mission. The Church becomes synodal when every baptized person contributes his or her charism to the common mission.

Thus, tongues, prophecy, healing and discernment are not trophies of spirituality. They are gifts to be given away.

The truly charismatic person is the one whom the Spirit makes available for others.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry

26/08/2026

ILIGAN SINGING PRIESTS CONTINUE STREAK IN U.S. TOUR

The Iligan Singing Priests continued their successful U.S. tour with another meaningful Eucharistic celebration on Sunday in Federal Way, Washington.

Hosted by 7th Key Production, an active Filipino community and media group in Federal Way, the gathering brought together the faithful for a joyful celebration of faith and music. Most Rev. Jose R. Rapadas III, D.D., Bishop of Iligan, presided over the Holy Mass and delivered an inspiring message.

Joining the celebration were the Singing Priests—Fr. Elijah, Fr. Ronaldo, Fr. Aldrin, and Fr. Alfonso—whose ministry through music continues to touch Filipino communities in the United States. The Couples for Christ (CFC) family also joined the celebration, adding to the spirit of faith, fellowship, and community.

A grand salo-salo was served with the worshipping Filipino community, strengthening friendship and solidarity after the Eucharistic celebration.

In its post, 7th Key Production expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Rapadas, the priests, and everyone who attended, praying that God may abundantly bless all the participants and their families.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry
Photos: ctto: 7th Key Production

25/08/2026

COUNCIL OF THE LAITY ADVANCES 22-HECTARE SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PLAN

The Diocesan Council of the Laity, presided over by Bro. Carlos Subang, recently discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening lay participation and responsible stewardship of diocesan resources.

It must be noted that the Second Vatican Council’s Apostolicam Actuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity), emphasizes that “the apostolate of the laity derives from their Christian vocation.” Through Baptism and Confirmation, the laity share in Christ’s priestly, prophetic, and kingly offices, giving them a direct and active role in the Church’s mission.

Bro. Subang last Thursday, August20, presented the feasibility study prepared by Bro. Lano Confesor on the proposed development of the Diocese’s 22-hectare property in Barangay Abuno into a sustainable agricultural area. The plan considers the varying slopes and terrain, identifying appropriate crops for each portion. The proposal has yet to be approved by Rev. Fr. Alfonso Batiquin, the Council’s Diocesan Director.

The proposed area was already on tree-planting activities previously conducted by diocesan groups, including Bishop Joey Rapadas III, in 2025.

The Council also discussed of holding the Diocesan Lay Summit Convention regularly every three years, following the first summit in December 2024, which featured the late Bishop B**g Lunas, Bishop Edwin De Peña of Marawi, and Bishop Joey Rapadas as resource speakers.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry

24/08/2026

EVANGELIZATION: THE GREATEST BUSINESS OF ALL TIME

For Rev. Fr. Leonardo Polinar, evangelization is more than a pastoral responsibility—it is “the greatest business of all time.”

A powerful preacher and founder of the Parish Assistance Community Evangelization Mission (PACEM), Fr. Polinar uses this expression to emphasize the incomparable value and urgency of bringing people to Jesus Christ.

In this “business,” however, the currency is not money, influence, or material wealth. The currency is the Blood of Jesus Christ, poured out for the salvation of humanity.

Evangelization is therefore a sacred mission purchased by Christ’s sacrifice and entrusted to His Church.

The Catechism teaches that the Church is missionary by her very nature (CCC 849), while Jesus commands His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

As the Church in the Philippines continually reminds the faithful, evangelization is central to the Church’s mission. For Fr. Polinar, every effort to proclaim Christ is an investment in souls—leading people to encounter Jesus, embrace His Gospel, and become missionary disciples.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry

24/08/2026

FR. ALMENTEROS PRESIDES OVER CFC MISSION CORE GATHERING IN ILIGAN

Rev. Fr. Zalde Almenteros Jr. presided over the Holy Mass during the Mission Core Gathering (MCG) of Couples for Christ (CFC) on August 23, 2023, at the CFC Center along Aguinaldo Street, Iligan City.

The MCG is a monthly prayer assembly and spiritual formation gathering for CFC leaders, providing an opportunity to deepen their faith, strengthen community unity, and renew their commitment to the mission of the movement.

The gathering included communal worship, Scripture reflection, the Holy Rosary, and the celebration of the Holy Mass. It also served as a venue for sharing testimonies, receiving spiritual nourishment, and discussing local and global CFC initiatives, including programs for the poor such as ANCOP.

Through the MCG, CFC leaders are continually encouraged to live their faith and serve others with renewed commitment.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry
Photos: CFC-LDN

24/08/2026

BISHOP RAPADAS REFLECTS ON KNOWING, LOVING, AND SERVING CHRIST

While on tour in the United States with fellow Filipino singing priests, Most Rev. Jose R. Rapadas III, D.D., Bishop of Iligan, shared a Sunday reflection for August 23, the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, centered on Jesus’ question: “But who do you say that I am?”

Drawing from the wisdom of his late spiritual director, Fr. Juan Sanz, Bishop Rapadas reflected on the Ignatian principle of knowing, loving, and serving God. He emphasized that knowing Christ is foundational to Christian discipleship. It is not enough to know about Jesus through teachings, prayers, or doctrine; believers are called to know Him personally and intimately.

Bishop Rapadas stressed that genuine knowledge of Christ leads naturally to love and service. Like Peter, whose profession of faith became the beginning of his mission, every baptized Christian is called to serve Christ through daily life—within the family, workplace, community, and Church.

He concluded with a prayer for the grace to know Christ intimately, love Him dearly, and serve Him joyfully, making one’s life an answer to Jesus’ question.

By: RC Campano- Diocese of Iligan Media Ministry
Photos: CTTO