Dear Brother Priests, Consecrated Persons, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Imus, 

Greetings of peace! 

On May 11, 2025, Good Shepherd Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrates the 62nd World Day of 

Prayer for Vocations, a day set aside to ask the Lord of the harvest to "send out laborers into his harvest" (Lk 10:2). The theme for 2025 is "Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life." 

In the letter conveyed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines — Episcopal Commission on Vocations (CBCP-ECV) on April 30, 2025, all dioceses, parishes, and religious communities across the country are encouraged to unite in prayer for an increase and perseverance of vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, and missionary service by holding a Holy Hour for Vocations on the evening of Saturday, May 10, 2025, as a communal act of intercession and gratitude for the gift of vocations in the Church. 

In line with this, vocation materials and liturgical resources are available and can be freely accessed at: https://rcj.ph/world-day-of-prayer-for-vocations-resources 

May this meaningful celebration help us renew our commitment to fostering a culture of vocations where young people can hear and respond to God's call with courage and joy. 

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 6th of May 2025. 

Sincerely in Christ, 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.

Bishop of Imus

Attachments: 

• Message of Pope Francis for the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations 
• Panalangin Para sa Bokasyon ni Papa Francisco 

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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS
FOR THE 62nd WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

[11 May 2025]

Pilgrims of Hope: the Gift of Life

Dear sisters and brothers,

On this, the 62nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, I wish to extend to you a joyful and encouraging invitation to become pilgrims of hope by generously offering your lives as a gift.

A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in our heart, a call to leave ourselves behind and embark on a journey of love and service. Every vocation in the Church, whether lay, ordained or consecrated, is a sign of the hope that God has for this world and for each of his children.

Nowadays, many young people feel dismayed as they look to the future. Often they experience insecurity about their prospects of employment and a profound identity crisis, a crisis of meaning and values, which the confused messages of the digital world only aggravate. The unjust treatment of the poor and vulnerable, the indifference of a complacent and self-centred society, and the brutality of war all threaten the hopes for a fulfilling life that young people cherish in their hearts. Yet the Lord, who knows the human heart, does not abandon us in our uncertainty.  He wants us to know that we are loved, called and sent as pilgrims of hope.

We, the adult members of the Church, and priests in particular, are called to acknowledge, discern and accompany the young on their vocational path. You, young people, for your part, are called to set out on that path, together with the Holy Spirit, who awakens in you the desire to make your lives a gift of love.

Embracing our specific vocation

Dear young people, “your youth is not an ‘in-between time.’ You are the now of God” (Christus Vivit, 178). Realize that the gift of life calls for a generous and faithful response. Look to the young saints and blesseds who responded joyfully to the Lord’s call: Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, the soon-to-be canonized saints Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, among many others. They experienced their vocation as a path towards true happiness through friendship with the risen Lord. Whenever we listen to Jesus’ words, our hearts burn within us (cf. Lk 24:32) and we feel the desire to consecrate our lives to God. Naturally, we want to find the way of life that will best allow us to return the love with which he loved us first.

Every vocation, once perceived in the depths of the heart, gives rise to an impulse to love and service, as an expression of hope and charity, rather than a means of self-promotion.  Vocation and hope go together in God’s plan for the happiness of each man and woman, all of whom are called by name to give their lives for others (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 268). Many young people seek to know the path God is calling them to take. Some find, often to their surprise, that they are called to the priesthood or to the consecrated life. Others discover the beauty of the call to marriage and family life, to the pursuit of the common good and to a life of witness to the faith among their friends and acquaintances.

Every vocation is inspired by hope, marked by confident trust in God’s providence.  For Christians, hope is more than mere human optimism: it is a certainty based on our faith in God, who is at work in each of our lives. Vocations mature through the daily effort to be faithful to the Gospel, and through prayer, discernment and service.

Dear young friends, hope in God does not disappoint, because at every step of the way he accompanies those who entrust their lives to him. Our world needs young people who are pilgrims of hope, who courageously devote their lives to Christ and rejoice in being his disciples and missionaries.

Discerning our vocational path

The discovery of our vocation comes about as the result of a journey of discernment. That journey is never solitary, but develops within a Christian community and as a part of that community.

Dear friends, the world pushes you to make hasty decisions and bombards you with a constant blare that prevents you from experiencing a silence that is open to God who speaks to the heart. Have the courage to pause, to listen to what your heart tells you, and to ask God about his dreams for you. The silence of prayer is indispensable if we are to learn how to hear God’s call amid the specific circumstances of our lives and to respond consciously and freely.

Prayerful recollection helps us to realize that all of us can be pilgrims of hope if we make our lives a gift, above all by placing ourselves at the service of those who live on the world’s material and existential peripheries. Those who heed God’s call cannot turn a deaf ear to the cry of so many of our brothers and sisters who feel excluded, wounded and abandoned. Every vocation confirms us in our mission of being Christ’s presence wherever light and consolation are most needed. In a particular way, the lay faithful are called to be the “salt, light and leaven” of the Kingdom of God through their social and professional commitments.

Accompanying vocations

Consequently, pastoral ministers and vocation directors, especially spiritual directors, should readily accompany young people with the hope, patience and trust that reflect God’s own “pedagogy.” They should be capable of listening to them respectfully and sympathetically, and show themselves trustworthy, wise and helpful guides, ever attentive to discerning the signs of God’s presence in their journey.  

I urge that every effort be made to foster vocations in the various spheres of human life and activity, and to help individuals to be spiritually open to the Lord’s voice.  It is important, then, that adequate space be given to the accompaniment of vocations in educational and pastoral planning.

The Church needs pastors, religious, missionaries and spouses capable of saying “yes” to the Lord with trust and hope. A vocation is never a treasure stored away in the heart; rather, it grows and is strengthened within a community that believes, loves and hopes. No one can respond to God’s call alone, for all of us need the prayers and support of our brothers and sisters.

Dearly beloved, the Church is alive and fruitful when she generates new vocations.  Our world looks, often unknowingly, for witnesses of hope who proclaim with their lives that following Christ is a source of true joy. Let us never tire, then, of asking the Lord for new labourers for his harvest, certain that with great love he continues to call them. Dear young people, I entrust your efforts to follow the Lord to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of vocations. Keep walking as pilgrims of hope on the path of the Gospel!  I accompany you with my blessing and I ask you, please, to pray for me.

Rome, Policlinico A. Gemelli, 19 March 2025.

FRANCIS 

Source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/vocations/documents/20250319-messaggio-62-gm-vocazioni.html 

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PANALANGIN PARA SA BOKASYON ni Papa Francisco

PANGINOON NG ANIHAN,

PAGKALOOBAN mo ng lakas ng loob ang mga kabataan na tumugon sa iyong panawagan.

BUKSAN mo ang kanilang mga puso sa mga dakilang kaisipan at bagay.

KASIHAN mo ang lahat ng iyong mga alagad ng mga magkaayong pag-ibig at pagbibigay sapagkat ang bokasyon ay sumisibol sa mabuting lupa ng mga tapat na tao.

ISALIN mo sa mga nasa relihiyosong pamumuhay, parokya, ministry at pamilya ng may pagtitiwala at biyaya ng maghihikayat ng iba upang yakapin ang malakas at marangal na landas ng nakatalagang buhay para sa iyo.

PAGBUKLURIN mo kami kay Hesus sa pamamagitan ng panalangin at sakramento, upang magawa naming makipagtulungan sa iyo sa pagtataguyod ng paghahari ng iyong awa at katotohanan, katarungan at kapayapaan. Amen.

 Dear Brother Priest, Consecrated Persons, and Lay Faithful of the Diocese of Imus, 

 Greetings of peace! 

The Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has released some liturgical instructions pertaining to the upcoming Conclave. 

In the circular letter No. 2025-01, the episcopal commission encourages all dioceses to offer prayers during this meaningful period in the life of the Church. 

As the Conclave for the election of the new Pope will commence on May 7, 2025, the Holy See enjoins everyone to support all Cardinals through our fervent prayers as they undertake this significant responsibility. 

For this reason, the CBCP Episcopal Commission of Liturgy encourages all dioceses to observe the following liturgical guidelines and prescribed prayers during the days leading to the conclave and upon the election of the new Pope. 

Attached to this letter are the recommended prayers and liturgical instructions for your perusal in your respective parishes and communities. 

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 6th day of May 2025. 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D. 

Bishop of Imus 

Greetings of peace! 

The Apostolic Nunciature has brought to the attention of the Chancery Office the presence in our diocese of a certain REV. FR. RICHARD DOMINGO. FFM, and REV. FR. ALEX DARIO, FFM, who have recently celebrated the Sacrament of the Eucharist in various areas in Cavite. 

I was informed by the Apostolic Nuncio that they received ordination to the priesthood illicitly.  Please be advised that they do not have ministerial faculties.  They are forbidden to administer any sacrament. 

As the Presbyteral Council of the Diocese of Imus has addressed similar incidents in its previous meetings, the clergy are urged to strictly observe the established protocols before allowing any priest to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and any sacrament. 

Please remain vigilant in ensuring that all celebrants in our parishes and in any place within our diocese are Roman Catholic priests with the necessary faculties to administer the sacraments. 

I sincerely appreciate your collaboration and commitment to uphold the integrity of our priestly ministry. 

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 16th of April 2025. 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D. 

Bishop of Imus 

Greetings of peace! 

The Permanent Council of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines approved the celebration of the National Consecration to the Divine Mercy on April 27, 2025, the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. 

This moment of prayer is our collective response to the many challenges we face today, including global conflicts, the desensitization to graft and corruption in public office, the trivialization of truth, and the persistent hostility toward Church teachings on family and life. 

The Prayer of Consecration to the Divine Mercy will be recited in place of the General Intercessions in all Masses across the country on Divine Mercy Sunday. 

I enjoin everyone to deepen our trust in the Lord’s infinite love and mercy amidst difficulties. 

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 16th of April 2025. 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D. 

Bishop of Imus 

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NATIONAL CONSECRATION TO THE DIVINE MERCY 

(To be prayed in all Masses on the Second Sunday of Easter, in place of the General Intercessions) 

Most Merciful Jesus, 

You are the Face of the Father’s Mercy. 

Out of mercy you have called us. 

To be merciful like the Father 

Is the mission you have entrusted to us. 

With complete trust and confidence in your boundless ocean of love, 

We consecrate ourselves entirely to you 

And place ourselves under the protection of your merciful care. 

We unite ourselves to your perfect offering, 

With the Holy Spirit, to the Father, 

That we may be completely transformed into Your Mercy. 

Have mercy on us 

For the wars among nations 

And terrors with which we harass one another. 

Have mercy on us 

For the widespread sins against truth 

And gruesome sins 

Against justice and human brotherhood. 

Have mercy on us 

For the blasphemies to which Your Divine Mercy is subjected to 

And the abominable mockery of the weak and the poor. 

Have mercy on us for 

The abuses against human dignity, 

Sins against life, love and family. 

Help us, O Lord, 

That we may reflect Your Mercy to those around us. 

Guard us as your possession, 

That in difficult moments we may not despair, 

But with great confidence 

Submit ourselves to your holy will. 

Make us instruments of consolation to others 

Who have lost hope and do not trust in Your Mercy. 

May all people come to know Your unfathomable mercy, 

Trust in your mercy and glorify Your Mercy forever and ever. 

Jesus, King of Mercy, 

We trust in You. 

We are all yours. 

Amen. 

Greetings of peace! 

We will continue the spirit of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we commence the meaningful celebration of the Holy Week, most especially the Paschal Triduum of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. 

We will also strengthen the virtue of charity by contributing to the annual ALAY KAPWA special collection, which will be held on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.  This initiative is organized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in 1975 through its Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace.  This year, we are celebrating the Fiftieth (50th) Anniversary of ALAY KAPWA. 

Let us encourage everyone in our anticipated and Sunday Masses to support this concrete program for the poor and marginalized in our society. 

Please submit the special collections to the Diocesan Finance Office at your earliest convenience. 

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 8th of April 2025. 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D. 

Bishop of Imus 

The Episcopal Commission on Evangelization and Catechesis of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-ECEC) enjoins all dioceses to promote the 𝟮𝟬:𝟯𝟯 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻.

Parishes, Christian communities, and families are encouraged to pray every eight thirty-three in the evening this meaningful prayer:

"𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗱, 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘂𝘀 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟯𝟯. 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻."

This initiative is in response to His Holiness Pope Francis' instructions that the Ordinary Jubilee of the Year 2025 must "guide our steps towards yet another fundamental celebration for Christians" in commemoration of "the two thousandth anniversary of the redemption won by the Passion, Death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus" in the Great Jubilee Year of 2033. (Spes Non Confundit, 6)

May our prayerful disposition increase the grace of faith and charity in our respective families and parish communities.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 28th of March 2025.

(SGD.) +REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.

Bishop of Imus 

Greetings of peace!
The non-violent EDSA People Power Revolution that transpired on February 22-25, 1986 marked a significant moment in our nation's history.

The struggle to depose a dictator was not borne out of some personal interests or any particular political ideology; rather it emerged from a deep commitment in pursuit of liberty, truth, and justice. Above all, it was driven by a profound sense of faith in the Lord that constantly seeks what is true, good, and noble, so that future generations will value the Lord's gift of freedom.

Although February 25 was not declared as a special non-working holiday by the government as it has been traditionally done, I appreciate the efforts of the Diocese of Imus Catholic Educational System (DICES), in solidarity with other Catholic educational institutions in the country, for declaring this day a special non- working holiday in all its member-schools in honor of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

This initiative aims to instill in the youth our commitment to freedom, justice, and peace, while continually renewing our sense of patriotism.

In this light, may I kindly enjoin our parishes, Catholic institutions, religious, and Christian communities to make this day, February 25, meaningful by offering prayers for our country during our Eucharistic celebrations. You may initiate programs and activities which will enkindle not only our love for the Lord but also for our country, most especially now as we discern for our future leaders in the coming midterm elections.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 21st of February 2025.

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus

Greetings of peace!
His Excellency Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) enjoin everyone to pray for the immediate recovery of His Holiness Pope Francis.

According to a recent statement released by the Holy See Press Office, his health condition is clinically complex as he has bilateral pneumonia that needs further medical treatment.

Following this appeal, I kindly request all parishes, religious, and Christian communities to organize prayer periods, like gathering the faithful for Holy Hours for the healing of the sick most especially Pope Francis.

May the Lord, who is the source of healing, constantly renew us for mission.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 20th of February 2025. 

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus 

The Pontifical Mission Societies enjoins all dioceses to observe the special collections (Opus Sancti Petri) on Saint Peter the Apostle Sunday during Eucharistic celebrations on Saturday, February 22, 2025 (evening masses) and Sunday, February 23, 2025.
This is the Holy Father Pope Francis' pastoral initiative for the formation, training, and support for seminarians, clergy, and consecrated persons in mission territories.

Let us encourage our parishioners and communities to support the formation and apostolates of seminarians, clergy, and consecrated persons who offer their lives to spread the Good News.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 18th of February 2025.

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus

The Ministri sa Pagmamalasakit sa Bayan, in collaboration with our parish pastoral councils, parish formation teams, Diocesan Council of the Laity of Imus (DCLI), Ministri sa Kabataan, seminarians, basic ecclesial communities, and other ministries will launch the JUBILEE OF FILIPINO ELECTORATE: VOTERS' EDUCATION AND DISCERNMENT.
This will transpire in March 2025 and the whole of Lenten and Easter seasons.

The Ministri sa Pagmamalasakit sa Bayan will also conduct series of facilitators' trainings in view of voters' education and discernment which will be announced in the coming days.

I enjoin all parishes, religious, and Christian communities to participate in this collective process of discernment for the common good.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 17th of February 2025.

+REYNALDO G/ EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus

In its recent plenary assembly, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has approved the alternative Filipino version of the Hail Mary prayer.
This new edition does not replace the existing version; instead, it offers a simpler, more meaningful, and biblically-sound translation that remains faithful to the original Latin text.
The issuance of this alternative Filipino prayer coincides with the celebration of the Ordinary Jubilee Year of 2025 and the 50th Anniversary of CBCP Pastoral Letter on the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ang Mahal na Birheng Maria, issued on February 2, 1975.

Attached are the copies of the Tagalog and alternative Filipino versions of the Hail Mary prayer.
May our faith in the Lord constantly be nourished through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 17th of February 2025.

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has recently released the Pastoral Letter on the Calling to a Pilgrimage of Hope in the Jubilee Year 2025.
This is the fruit of prayer and reflection following the 129th Plenary Assembly of CBCP.
Attached to this letter are the Tagalog and English abridged versions of the pastoral letter.
May I kindly remind you that this document is still under embargo until 12:00 noon tomorrow, 1 February 2025, but we are sending you this document in advance for your reflection.

This will be read in all masses during Eucharistic celebrations on Saturday, February 1, 2025 (anticipated masses) until Sunday, February 2, 2025.
The celebration of the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025 enjoins us to become bearers of hope as we journey towards the fulfillment of our mission as a community of faith.

Given at the Chancery Office, City of Imus, Cavite on the 31st of January 2025.

+REYNALDO G. EVANGELISTA, D.D.
Bishop of Imus

The month of January 2025 is the celebration of the National Bible Month which will be highlighted by the National Bible Week on January 21-26, 2025.

I enjoin all parishes, religious, and Christian communities to observe meaningfully the following celebrations in the Diocese of Imus:
January 25, 2025, 8am-6pm- Diocesan Biblical Apostolate's Biblical Modules Facilitators' Training, San Lorenzo Parish, Aniban I, City of Bacoor.

January 26, 2025, Sunday of the Word of God- Bible Enthronement during Eucharistic celebrations, and other activities that may be initiated in all parishes (such as essay writing/ poster making contests, bible quizzes, bible story-telling for children, Lectio Divina, Bible study/ sharing, parade/ motorcade of biblical characters, bible walk etc.)

Let us pray that as we read and meditate on the Sacred Scriptures, our hearts may continually turn towards our Lord Jesus, the Word made Flesh.