CUBAO, Quezon City — The faithful of the Diocese of Cubao joined the bishops of the country in prayer as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines celebrated the Eucharist on January 20, 2026, at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in New Manila, Quezon City.
The Mass marked the first day of the CBCP’s four-day seminar ahead of its 131st Plenary Assembly scheduled on January 24-26, and formed part of the bishops’ tradition of visiting churches in the dioceses where their gatherings are held.
Presiding over the celebration was Most Rev. Ronald Anthony Timoner, DD, Bishop of Pagadian, who reflected on the First Reading from the First Book of Samuel, focusing on the call of David and the ministry of the prophet Samuel.
In his homily, Bishop Timoner reminded the congregation that God’s choices often challenge human expectations. “Outward appearances do not define people or determine their value in the Lord’s plan of salvation,” he said, emphasizing that God’s call is not based on status, position, or visibility.
Reflecting on how David was chosen while tending his father’s flock, the bishop noted that God often looks beyond what is seen. “God does not judge by outward appearances; He searches the innermost recesses of the heart and often chooses the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary things,” he added.
Bishop Timoner also spoke about discernment in leadership, especially among Church leaders who are entrusted with guiding God’s people. He reminded the faithful that human judgment is limited and that true guidance comes from God alone. “We are invited to seek the Lord and follow His direction every step of the way, trusting the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Acknowledging human limitations, he further stressed the need for humility and prayerful discernment. “Though we cannot fully discern the hearts of others, the Lord calls us to rely on the Holy Spirit in all our decisions,” Bishop Timoner said.
The homily concluded with a call to interior conversion, encouraging the faithful to nurture their spiritual life beyond external appearances. “God invites us to look deeply into our own hearts and to develop our inner spiritual life more than what is seen on the outside,” he said.
The celebration, held at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel within the Diocese of Cubao, became a moment of grace for the local Church, as it joined the bishops of the Philippines in prayer and reflection, entrusting the life and mission of the Church to God who sees and calls the heart.