CBCP asks public to trust in God's blessings amid challenges

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera on Thursday reminded the Catholic faithful to trust in the blessings of God despite the challenges being faced. 

In his New Year’s message, Garcera said that there are a lot of challenges as the public welcomes the new year. 

But, Garcera assured the public that God would bless the Catholic faithful amid these trials and challenges.

“Haharap tayo ngayon sa Bagong Taon 2026 at maraming hamon sa atin. Pero nakasisiguro tayo na napakaraming biyayang nakalaan para sa atin,” he said. 

“Magtiwala tayo sa biyaya ng Diyos,” the CBCP president added. 

Amid the New Year celebration, Garcera said the Catholic Church also observes the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. 

He also asked the public to continue trusting God through prayers. 

“Magtiwala tayo sa biyaya ng Diyos, ipagpatuloy ang dasal,” Garcera said.

True peace

For his part, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, in his New Year's message, underscored that peace is not achieved by fear or force but by a disarmed heart and a disarming way of life.

''True peace begins within us, rejects violence and domination, and grows through humility, dialogue, mercy, and trust,'' Advincula said.

He said the world needs the peace of the unarmed and disarming Emmanuel in the manger, which gives hope and joy to mankind. 

"'We are a people of hope. We believe in God who walks with us and remains faithful to us,'' he said.

Advincula also urged the Catholic faithful to face the New Year, not with answers and solutions, but with courage and faith.

''We welcome 2026 with a heart of Mary – open to mystery, attentive in discernment, questioning without fear and anchored in trust. We place ourselves, our families, and our country in the loving and merciful heart of God,'' he said. 

He also asked for prayers for peace and justice, truth and accountability, conversion of hearts, and the restoration of conscience in society.  –NB, GMA Integrated News