Cebu Hosts Grand 50th Anniversary Celebration for Catholic Charismatic Renewal
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, more than 4,000 Catholic believers from various parishes across Cebu attended a significant celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) in the Archdiocese of Cebu. The event was held at the IEC Pavilion in Cebu City, organized by the Archdiocese of Cebu Council of Charismatic Renewal Services (ACCCRS) under the theme “50 Years Renewed, Now Sent for a Mission.”
A Milestone of Spiritual Renewal and Service
According to organizers, this golden anniversary served as a thanksgiving for five decades of spiritual renewal, evangelization, and service to the Catholic Church and the community. The celebration began with over an hour of praise and worship, where participants united in prayer and adoration. This was followed by welcome remarks from Bro. Jummy Dagoya, coordinator of ACCCRS, who greeted thousands of Charismatic Renewal members from different organizations and parishes in Cebu.
Inspirational Messages Highlight Impact and Growth
A key highlight of the program was the inspirational message delivered by Sis. Fe Barino, Charis Philippines National Coordinator and president of the Cebu Archdiocese Commission on Laity. In her address, she emphasized the profound role of the Charismatic Renewal in the lives of many believers over the past 50 years. “The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has a very big impact in the lives of people. There are many life changes, healings, transformations,” stated Barino.
She further noted that Cebu has become one of the central hubs for the Charismatic Renewal in the Philippines and globally. “From Cebu, it spread to Visayas, Mindanao, and abroad. So Cebu is like the seedbed of the Charismatic Renewal,” she added, underscoring the region's pivotal role in the movement's expansion.
Historical Insights and Personal Testimonies
The program also featured a historical overview of the Charismatic Renewal, presented by Bro. Ale Aguspina, who explained that the movement began worldwide on February 16, 1967, and has since flourished in many areas, including Cebu. Additionally, a personal testimony was shared by youth sharer Sis. Myles Camarillo, an active member of various charismatic organizations, who highlighted the role of youth in the ongoing mission of the movement.
Closing with a Message of Mission and Gratitude
Msgr. Roger Fuentes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu, also participated in the celebration, delivering a message about the mission of Charismatic Renewal members after 50 years of service. The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Mass, offering thanks to the Lord for five decades of blessings and spiritual renewal through the Charismatic Renewal in Cebu.
