WE are now in the season of Lent which is an ideal time for us to go through the process of repentance, renewal and conversion. Given the temper of the times, we should feel this need deeply. We cannot deny that as Pope Francis noted recently,...
SOMEONE asked me what my views are regarding the gender issue. I must admit that I have been quiet about this matter since I know it is a very delicate issue that can easily provoke unnecessary controversy and noise. As priest, I get to talk to...
THIS was a point strongly and repeatedly pounded on me and my batch during our pre-ordination seminar many years ago. Only Christ should shine out in our ministry. We have to learn to pass unnoticed, avoiding grabbing the focus of public attention from the real...
WE have to be most wary of this particular predicament that, sad to say, is becoming more common these days. This is not about the usual and normal aging and deterioration we can expect as we grow old after a life of very active work....
The Archdiocese of Davao and the Dioceses of Digos, Tagum and Mati just held their quarterly meeting last March 3-5 in Holy Cross of Davao College, Camudmod, Island Garden City of Samal. This meeting was dedicated for a Lenten recollection for 2 days and one...
When I use the two words as title I am actually referring to the dialogue between a Christian (Catholic or Protestant) and a Non-Christian (Hindu/Buddhist). This is a dialogue where the partners are sharing an aspect of their faith life like prayer, worship meditation, pilgrimage,...
THAT’S right. The cross, given our human condition, is absolutely necessary in our life here on earth. We cannot even be human, much less, Christian, without the cross. Without the cross, we think that we can be absolutely on our own. Without the cross, the only...
(Excerpt of Archbishop Valles' homily during Ash Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at the San Pedro Cathedral Parish, Davao City) Brothers and sisters I'd like to thank you for coming. This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and we begin the Season of Lent or Kwaresma. I’d like to invite...
WE have to remind everyone that when we suffer, we should see to it that we avoid suffering by our own lonesome. That would make our suffering, whatever may be its cause, whether it is self-inflicted or caused by others, a useless and purely negative...
THERE’S no doubt about it. We are meant to assume the identity of Christ, because he is the pattern of our humanity and the savior of our damaged humanity. We can only be as we ought to be when we assume Christ’s identity. That is...