CBCP head urges contemplatives to embrace inner wholeness as Lent begins

February 18, 2026 – 7:00 AM

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TALISAY CITY, Cebu— On the eve of Ash Wednesday, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urged contemplative women to turn inward, seeking wholeness of mind, heart, and spirit through prayer, reflection, and community.

Speaking at the St. Francis Seraph Retreat Center during the National Conference of Women Contemplatives of the Philippines on Feb. 17, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said Lent is not only a season of fasting but also a journey of spiritual transformation.

“May this Lent be a time of embracing wholeness, integrating mind, heart, and spirit, leading us into the fullness of God’s grace,” he said.

Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, the archbishop reminded participants that human anxiety and distraction often obscure God’s presence.

“Watch out; beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod,” he said, quoting the Gospel today.

Vultum Dei Quaerere

, emphasizing that Scripture must guide contemplatives’ daily lives and nourish authentic spiritual communion.

“It teaches that the Word of God is the first source of our spirituality,” he said.

He encouraged contemplatives to be beacons of hope, faithfully witnessing God’s presence even amid uncertainty.

“We journey together, supporting one another in prayer, understanding, and hope, nourished by the Word of God and united in contemplation,” Garcera said.

Invoking Mary’s example of simplicity, humility, and unwavering trust in God, Garcera encouraged contemplatives to witness hope even amid uncertainty.

Below is the full text of Archbishop Garcera’s homily: