The clergy, religious and lay of the Diocese of Cubao together welcomed Bishops from all over the Philippines on January 21, 2026 as they culminated another fruitful day with the eucharistic celebration held at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao. Most Rev. Dave Dean Capucao, D.D, Bishop of Infanta, a four-month old bishop as he mentioned, celebrated the mass alongside other bishops including Bishop Emeritus Honesto Ongtioco, D.D.
In his homily, Bishop Dave focused on the Gospel of Mark wherein the synagogue, a house of worship, turned tables to become a place of confrontation and conflict. He reflected that even in this scene, Jesus’ compassion shined through as He longed to heal while those around were found to have hardened hearts. At this Bishiop Dave asks the congregation to reconsider their own practices and attitudes in their communities, reflecting on the question, “As shepherds of the Church, Jesus’ critical question, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath?”
Bishop Dave continued on, emphasizing the importance of love being the “heart of their [our] ministry”. Coming from the province of Infanta, his eyes were opened at the generosity of the natives, the Dumagat people, who views resources as blessings that need to be shared rather than a privilege to have. In a world where everyone strives to live comfortably, owning all the riches available, Bishop Dave reminds the faithful not to forget those with withered hands in the communities.
With the digital age, it is easy to get in touch with communities. Sending donations to various institutions and the less fortunate has indeed become much easier. Bishop Dave mentions that though AI has become an integral part of the lives of everyone, it is still more meaningful, more Christ-like to go out to meet and be with the people. “A church that limits herself to administering parish work that lives enclosed within a community experiences what someone in prison does, physical and mental atrophy,” – Bishop Dave invites everyone to break down the walls and reach out especially to those suffering from injustices and those included in the marginalized society of the nation.
The homily concluded with a prayer asking for the intercession of St. Agnes, having celebrated her feast day on January 21. In this, Bishop Dave encourages the faithful to look at St. Agnes as an inspiration as she “demonstrates the dynamic interplay of love for the sake of justice,” responding to the needs of those suffering within the communities.
The celebration became a reminder not only to the religious but also to the leaders and lay of the Diocese of Cubao, that LOVE should always be the HEART of the ministries; that in serving God, everyone is encouraged to reach out beyond what is merely expected.