Tuguegarao Catholics Embark on Pilgrim Walk Advocating Honesty and Justice, Launch New Pastoral Plan

On November 23, 2025, Catholics across Cagayan province gathered in Tuguegarao City for the "Pilgrim Walk of Hope," carrying religious images and placards advocating for honesty, justice, and peace amid rising concerns about corruption in government. The event coincided with the Solemnity of Christ the King and served as an archdiocesan initiative pressing for moral leadership and integrity within both the Church and society.

The walk culminated in a Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Ricardo Baccay, who emphasized that the kingship of Christ is characterized not by dominance but by compassionate service. He remarked, "His kingship is about compassion, about relating to each other. A change of heart for Christ is a change of heart for His people. His kingship is where we long to belong."

In conjunction with the pilgrimage, the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao launched its five-year pastoral plan, titled Walking Together in Faith: A Missionary Conversion Towards a Synodal Church, which sets the strategic direction for 2026 through 2031. This plan focuses on fostering missionary conversion through listening, participation, and the transformation of individuals, communities, and Church structures.

Archbishop Baccay explained that the roadmap was developed through synodal consultations and responds to the need for spiritual renewal, discernment, shared decision-making, and participatory governance within the Church. The plan identifies six key priorities: strengthening families, revitalizing Basic Ecclesial Communities, promoting transparency and accountability, deepening lay involvement, nurturing servant leaders, and encouraging ecological conversion.

Father Manuel Vicente Catral, Director of Pastoral Programs, unveiled the journey's official logo during the launch. The emblem, inspired by the Gospel invitation to "Go to Galilee," incorporates symbolic motifs such as feet, a river, a boat, and a rising sun. These elements represent a Church that actively walks in mission, flows with its people, embraces mutual responsibility, and radiates the light of Christ and the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Fr. Catral described the logo as a "visual Gospel" highlighting that missionary conversion commences in everyday environments where individuals live, work, and face challenges. He emphasized that the emblem is not merely artistic but a call to journey together in renewal and be continually sent forth in synodal mission.

Prior to the plan's launch, approximately 500 parish leaders from 50 parishes participated in an orientation session. They reflected on their roles as "missionary companions" and discussed initiatives to create more inclusive church spaces that address the needs of marginalized communities.