Diocesan Council of the Laity-RCDU

21/03/2026

21/03/2026

KAHIT TILA HULI NA ANG LAHAT, MAY MAGAGAWA PA RIN ANG DIYOS!🙏

5th Sunday of Lent (Year A)
John 11:1–45 - Jesus Raises Lazarus

Today’s Gospel presents something almost unsettling: “Jesus LOVED Martha and her sister and Lazarus. SO, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he remained for TWO MORE DAYS where he was.” (Jn 11:5–6)

Parang mali. Di ba? Notice the connection: He LOVED them… so He DELAYED. Kung mahal Niya sila, dapat pumunta agad. "Lord bakit ngayon ka lang dumating?"

But then, that is how we humans think—love responds immediately and removes suffering at once.
But the Gospel deliberately disrupts that expectation.

As the Lord says:
“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” (Is 55:8–9).

So what is the key to understanding the Lord’s “delay” in today’s Gospel?

1. “The One You Love Is Sick” (Jn 11:3)

Just because you are LOVED by the Lord
does NOT mean you are EXEMPT from pain.

Trials are NOT SIGNS OF ABANDONMENT, but moments where God’s power and grace can break through beyond our expectations. By God's infinite wisdom, they are PERMITTED—and even ordered—toward OUR GREATER GOOD. (Cf. Rom 8:28)

Time and again, we ask:
“Why do bad things happen to good people?”

That’s the wrong question.
The right question is:

What do good people do when bad things happen?

Good people continue to:
• trust
• obey
• remain faithful

They don’t break.
They don’t rebel.
They don’t turn away from God—because that’s what the devil wants.

Keep in mind: GOD IS GOOD. ALL THE TIME. 🙌

God is never delayed. HIS TIMING IS ALWAYS PERFECT. ⌚ Amen?
“With the Lord, one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise...” (2 Pt 3:8-9)

Although Jesus knew His friend was in danger of death, He was not troubled, for He knew He had the power to bring him back to life. HE DID NOT INTEND MERELY TO HEAL LAZARUS, BUT TO RAISE HIM. In our own lives, we sometimes feel that God is ignoring our needs. Yet behind what seems like God’s silence, there is often a GREATER PLAN unfolding—one we cannot yet see.

2. How do we pray for the "impossible"?

🙏Jesus shows us HOW.
Before Lazarus is raised, He says, “Father, I THANK you for hearing me” (John 11:41–42). He did the same at the miracle of loaves. He took the loaves and GAVE THANKS even while the thousands were still starving (Matthew 14:19). Notice—GRATITUDE COMES BEFORE THE MIRACLE.

That is the posture of faith. NOT PLEADING IN PANIC, but confident thanksgiving. Kapag nagdadasal ka, HUMINAHON ka muna. Hindi yung nagpapanic. TO PRAY WITH FEAR IS TO FOCUS ON THE PROBLEM; to pray with gratitude is to FOCUS ON GOD'S UNCEASING LOVE AND MAJESTY, to trust that God is already at work.

This morning, you came into the church carrying many worries: fuel prices, your sick husband, your exams, and so forth. If you leave through those doors HOLDING ON TO THE SAME CONCERNS, perhaps you do not yet fully believe in God and His power.

3. “Even Now” – The Language of Faith (Jn 11:22)

Martha could have complained, “Lord, bakit ngayon ka lang dumating? Di ba close tayo? The least You could do is show up when we need You.”

But these were her words:

“Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But EVEN NOW I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” (Jn 11:21–22)

Ito ang wika ng TUNAY NA PANANAMPALATAYA.

Even now—kahit tila wala nang pag-asa.

Martha could have said:
“Lord, don’t bother. It’s too late.”😓 Kung nagtampo siya, wala sana itong Gospel reading natin ngayon.

But she didn’t.
She believed.

And Jesus asks:
“Do you believe this?” (Jn 11:26)

As we pray for peace, during this time of great uncertainty, the Lord is again asking us: “DO YOU BELIEVE THINGS WILL GET BETTER?”

You know, the best part of every prayer is AMEN!
Because “Amen” means:
“Yes Lord. I trust You. So be it.”
It is an expression of total trust!!!
THE SOLUTION IS ON ITS WAY.
It’s only a matter of time.
⭐Just because nothing seems to be changing doesn’t mean God isn’t working—right now.

As the Don Moen song goes:

“GOD WILL MAKE A WAY WHERE THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY. HE WORKS IN WAYS WE CANNOT SEE.”🎹🎶🎼

So even now—when everything feels uncertain, fragile, even frightening—nothing is beyond redemption. What seems like an ending can still become a BEGINNING. What looks like loss can still be transformed.
⸻

4. When Hope Seems Dead

Sa totoo lang, may mga sandali sa buhay na masasabi natin:

“Lord… patay na ang pag-asa.”

Too late na.
Wala na.

During the current crisis in the Middle East and across the world, we find ourselves saying: It’s too late. Too late to stop the escalation. Fuel prices keep rising. Supply may soon run out. Once again, we are ruled by FEAR— that the economy might collapse, that World War 3 could break out.

And yet, the Gospel today speaks directly into that fear.❗

God reminds us: HE IS STILL IN CONTROL OF HISTORY. Not the leaders of 🇺🇸America, 🇮🇱Israel, 🇮🇷Iran, 🇷🇺Russia, or any nation. Diyos pa rin ang nakaupo sa trono. Amen?

While the world is in crisis…
while your family is struggling…

Dare to say to the Lord:
“Even now, I know… MAY MAGAGAWA KA PA, LORD.”

Hold on to this truth:

✅“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
(Epistle to the Romans 8:31)

✅“Is anything too hard for me?”
(Book of Jeremiah 32:27)

And remember this:

📌WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS… BUT WE KNOW WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE. Amen?

God is still in control. MAHAL NIYA TAYO. HINDI NIYA TAYO PABABAYAAN.

⸻

5. A Word for Our Lives

So today, say to the Lord:

“Even now…”
• Even now, You can heal my life
• Even now, You can restore my family
• Even now, You can guide my child
• Even now, You can turn things around

Because Jesus also said:

“Your brother will rise again.” (Jn 11:23)

So we dare to believe:
• My marriage will rise again
• My health will rise again
My business will rise again
• My future will rise again
• The Philippines will rise again
• The world will rise again

Amen? 🙌

(Sana huwag lang… fuel prices will rise again 😄)

⸻

6. Closing: At the Feet of Jesus (Jn 11:32)

Everything can still lead to something good—because God is still at work.
In the midst of sorrow and fear,
let us learn from Mary:

She fell at the feet of Jesus. (Jn 11:32)

Whenever we are overcome by:
• fear
• worries
• sorrow

Let us be AT THE FEET OF JESUS in prayer.

That is the SAFEST PLACE—

whether life is calm
or life is collapsing.

Even now… God is working.
Even now… there is hope.

Amen.

07/11/2025

𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐘𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐘𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐍

Almighty and Ever-Living God, Lord of heaven and earth, we come before You in humility and trust, confident in Your abiding love and provident care. As we face the threat of an approaching typhoon, we turn to You, our retuge and our strength. Stretch forth Your hand, O Lord, to calm the winds and still the raging seas.

Let the rain fall gently to refresh the earth and not to bring destruction upon Your people.
Look with compassion upon those in harm's way: protect the weak and the helpless.
Guard our homes, our crops, and our livelihood.
Preserve us, O Lord, from fear and despair, and strengthen our faith in Your divine protection.
Inspire and guide those who serve in times of danger— our government leaders and disaster response teams.

Grant them wisdom, courage, and unity of heart as they labor for the satety and well-being of all.
Through this trial, may we learn anew to place our trust in Your providence and to build with one another a community of care.

May Your peace reign over our land, and Your Spirit renew the face of the earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Álava,
Queen and Patroness of Sison, pray for us.

03/11/2025

“GHOSTS CRY OUT FOR JUSTICE”

It is both symbolic and providential that the news of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommending the filing of criminal and administrative cases against individuals and public officials linked to the “ghost” flood-control projects surfaced as our nation prepares for Undas—the solemn days when we remember the departed.

In this season of remembrance, we not only recall our deceased loved ones but also the countless lives lost, displaced, or diminished by corruption that bleeds the nation’s lifeblood. These “ghost” projects—unfinished, substandard, or entirely non-existent—represent not only stolen funds but stolen futures. They cry out to heaven for justice.

Billions of pesos meant to protect communities from floods instead filled the pockets of politicians, contractors, and enablers. Their greed left entire barangays under water, livelihoods destroyed, and families grieving. These acts are not mere governance failures—they are grave moral sins against God and the Filipino people.

The Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO), as the official national council of lay organizations in the Catholic Church, calls upon all responsible public officials—regardless of political affiliation or position—to be held accountable. No one is above the law. Justice demands that the corrupt be exposed, investigated, and prosecuted without fear or favor.

We commend the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for its courage and integrity in recommending these actions. We urge the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice to pursue these cases with firmness and impartiality, for the Filipino people are watching and waiting.

The nation cries out for justice—
Justice for lives lost.
Justice for opportunities wasted.
Justice for integrity and love of country betrayed.

As part of the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation, LAIKO fully supports the November 30 “Trillion Peso March”—a peaceful nationwide expression of moral outrage and collective hope. We invite all faithful citizens to join and cry out for justice, for change, and for true accountability.

Let our voices rise above fear and apathy.
Let our conscience awaken the nation.
Let our faith move us to action.

See you all on November 30.
Let us walk together—faithful, fearless, and free.

Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO)
“Empowered Laity: Journeying Together as Pilgrims of Hope”

29/10/2025

Happy Birthday, Most. Rev. Jacinto A. Jose, D.D.!

The Diocesan Council of the Laity joyfully extends our warmest greetings to our beloved Bishop Jack on this special day. May God continue to bless and strengthen you as our shepherd in the Diocese of Urdaneta.

We pray that the Lord grants you abundant wisdom, courage, and grace as you lead His flock. May your vocation be ever renewed with divine inspiration, and may your heart be filled with joy, peace, and unwavering faith.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication, compassionate guidance, and the love you generously share with all of us. May this birthday be a celebration of God's blessings in your life, and may you feel the love and prayers of the entire diocese supporting you always.

Happy Birthday, Bishop Jack!

With prayers and blessings,
The Diocesan Council of the Laity

24/10/2025

Happy Birthday, Rev. Fr. Eliasar Itchon!

The Diocesan Council of the Laity of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Urdaneta joyfully celebrates your special day! May God's abundant blessings continue to fill your heart with His love, grace, and wisdom. Your dedication and service inspire us all to deepen our faith and live out His teachings with compassion and humility.

On this blessed occasion, we pray for your priestly vocation, that it may continue to flourish and bring joy and guidance to all those you serve. May this new year bring you increased wisdom, strength, and courage to carry out your ministry. We pray for your continued well-being and for the many fruits of your labor.

We pray for your priestly vocation, and for the gift of many more years of devoted service to the Lord and His people.

In Christ's love,
The Diocesan Council of the Laity
Roman Catholic Diocese of Urdaneta

20/10/2025

A catechetical primer on the occasion of the Emerald Jubilee of our beloved Bishop, Most Rev Jacinto A. Jose, DD.

12/10/2025

𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑
[CBCP Circular No. 25-14]
For the past few days now we have been experiencing terrible calamities: typhoons, volcanic eruptions, fires, and earthquakes—one after another! Let us beg the Lord's mercy on our people.
Let us reiterate our invitation for our people to turn again to God with humble and contrite hearts. Let us reiterate our recently released National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance, asking our people to observe it every Sunday-and, where possible, every day-until the Solemnity of Christ the King, with the tolling of bells.
Let it be our collective Miserere, our plea for mercy and renewal as a nation.
"𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯; 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘖 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦." (𝘗𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮 51:9, 12)
Following the beautiful suggestion of Bishop Jimmy Afable, we encourage our faithful:
✔️ to wear white clothes every Sunday of October and November,
✔️ and to display white ribbons in homes, churches, and public places - as a sign of our desire for transparency, accountability, and good governance, and as a humble prayer that our nation may be washed clean and renewed in God's mercy, and spared of further calamities.
Let our white garments be a symbol of the purity we seek for our land and our hearts. May this season of prayer and repentance lead us to hope, healing, and the restoration of our common life in truth and justice.
Let us beg the Lord to renew our nation, and make us instruments of justice and peace.
(Sgd.) +𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐎 𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐃
Bishop of Kalookan
President, CBCP

𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑
[CBCP Circular No. 25-14]

For the past few days now we have been experiencing terrible calamities: typhoons, volcanic eruptions, fires, and earthquakes—one after another! Let us beg the Lord's mercy on our people.

Let us reiterate our invitation for our people to turn again to God with humble and contrite hearts. Let us reiterate our recently released National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance, asking our people to observe it every Sunday-and, where possible, every day-until the Solemnity of Christ the King, with the tolling of bells.

Let it be our collective Miserere, our plea for mercy and renewal as a nation.

"𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘺𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘱, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯; 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵, 𝘖 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦." (𝘗𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮 51:9, 12)

Following the beautiful suggestion of Bishop Jimmy Afable, we encourage our faithful:

✔️ to wear white clothes every Sunday of October and November,
✔️ and to display white ribbons in homes, churches, and public places - as a sign of our desire for transparency, accountability, and good governance, and as a humble prayer that our nation may be washed clean and renewed in God's mercy, and spared of further calamities.

Let our white garments be a symbol of the purity we seek for our land and our hearts. May this season of prayer and repentance lead us to hope, healing, and the restoration of our common life in truth and justice.

Let us beg the Lord to renew our nation, and make us instruments of justice and peace.

(Sgd.) +𝐏𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐎 𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐆𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐃
Bishop of Kalookan
President, CBCP

03/10/2025

IN PHOTOS: Last September 27, 2025, our Diocesan Council of the Laity’s dedicated delegates proudly represented our Diocese at Busan Central, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, to witness and participate in the launching of the 2025 National Laity Week.

With hearts full of faith and hope, they came together under the inspiring theme ‘Empowered Laity Journeying Together as Pilgrims of Hope,’ reaffirming their commitment to serve and lead within their communities.

This moment was a beautiful reminder of the strength that comes from unity, prayer, and shared purpose as they continue their spiritual journey as active and empowered members of the Church.