Metro Infanta Foundation

Directions Website

Metro Infanta Foundation It also promotes stewardship as a way of life.

The Foundation addresses issues, concerns and needs--religious, educational, economic, social, and cultural--of Metro Infanta, the Prelature of Infanta and beyond.

Nominate now: Two Memorial Awards, Two great shepherds Today we highlight our two most cherished recognitions — rooted ...
09/25/2026

Nominate now: Two Memorial Awards, Two great shepherds

Today we highlight our two most cherished recognitions — rooted in two great shepherds.

The Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen, O.C.D. Memorial Award
First articulated by Pope St. John XXIII at Vatican II in 1962, the Church of the Poor was embraced by Bishop Labayen for the Prelature of Infanta in 1975 and declared by the CBCP for the whole Church in the Philippines in 1991.

This award honors those who live that vision — caring for the poor, defending their rights, and forming stewards.

Our most recent recipient is His Eminence Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, O.M.I.

The Cardinal Ricardo Vidal Memorial Award for Stewardship
Named after the late Cardinal of Cebu, a humble servant-leader and peacemaker. This award honors those who inspire others to give their time, talent, and treasure.

Our 2026 awardees are Fr. Manuel Vicente T. Catral of Tuguegarao — for strengthening Basic Ecclesial Communities and sustainable farming communities in Cagayan — and Sr. Angie Donado, O.Carm. (+) — who in her quiet Carmelite way lived stewardship as service to the poorest until the Lord called her home.

Do you know a parish, priest, religious, or lay leader who lives this? Message us or email us at [email protected] to nominate.
Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026

Happy Birthday, Bishop Dave!September 25Your MIF Family greets our dear Honorary Chairman, Most Rev. Dave Dean Capucao, ...
09/24/2026

Happy Birthday, Bishop Dave!

September 25

Your MIF Family greets our dear Honorary Chairman, Most Rev. Dave Dean Capucao, D.D., Prelate of Infanta, on his birthday!

What a blessed year! Appointed by Pope Leo XIV on May 16 as his first Filipino bishop appointment, Bishop Dave has been busy in Rome for the new bishops' formation course — meeting with the Holy Father on September 10 in the Synod Hall where Pope Leo reminded new bishops that their most important mission is to “remain with Jesus” and to have the heart of the Good Shepherd.

From Rome, he returned to the Netherlands — his second home where he earned his doctorates — his Master's and PhD in intercultural theology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen [now Radboud University, 2000-2009] and his doctorate in Sacred Theology at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, and where he served as a member of the pastoral team of St. Ludger Parish in Lichtenvoorde and Winterswijk.

From founding pastor of a poor village parish in Aurora, to scholar in Europe, to now shepherd of Infanta — we thank God for your journey.

With gratitude for your service and warm wishes for the year ahead!

Your MIF Family

When a community embraces stewardship as a way of life, extraordinary things happen—even from the simplest beginnings. ⛪...
09/23/2026

When a community embraces stewardship as a way of life, extraordinary things happen—even from the simplest beginnings. ⛪✨

From rural chapels to bustling urban parishes, faithful stewards across our dioceses are proving that shared responsibility and generous hearts can build vibrant communities without relying on capital campaigns.

Do you have a story of stewardship from your local parish? Share it in the comments below or tag someone who inspires you with their dedication!

A post worth revisiting as we promote the Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial for Stewardship.Stewardship of Prayer: Time...
09/22/2026

A post worth revisiting as we promote the Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial for Stewardship.
Stewardship of Prayer: Time
“Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). Numerous passages in the Scriptures provide encouragement and guidance regarding the practice of prayer. Paul, for instance, invokes the necessity of praying with joy and rejoicing. He urges the faithful to “Have hope and be cheerful. Be patient in trials and pray constantly” (Rom12:12); to “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks to God at very moment” (1 Thes 5:17
Parishes that wish to implement the St. Thomas More (STM) Stewardship Model are encouraged to begin with the Stewardship of Prayer (Time) weekend. The aim is to support parishioners in deepening their prayer lives and fostering a stronger relationship with God. The Stewardship of Prayer weekend emphasizes dedicating time, rather than merely seeking opportunities, for prayer and worship.

For Filipinos, prayer is integral to daily life. While often associated with religious rituals or personal requests, prayer can also be an opportunity to build a deeper relationship with God beyond seeking needs.
The STM Stewardship of Prayer commitment card (see below) includes three categories: private prayer opportunities, public prayer opportunities, and intentions to pray for over the course of a year. Participants are asked to select one option from each category, as selecting multiple options may reduce the likelihood of completion.

One thing we encourage is to add an option for Eucharistic adoration. Many parishes have Eucharistic chapels but unfortunately, they are left closed or empty the entire day. There must be a lot of people who would want to spend time with the Lord. They just need to be inspired to do so. Watch for a separate post on this topic.

FROM A BAHAY-KUBO TO A CHURCH BUILT WITHOUT A CAPITAL CAMPAIGNIn 2005, Fr. Manny Catral was assigned to Holy Family Quas...
09/21/2026

FROM A BAHAY-KUBO TO A CHURCH BUILT WITHOUT A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

In 2005, Fr. Manny Catral was assigned to Holy Family Quasi-Parish in West Solana, Cagayan. He lived in this simple bahay-kubo — the one in this 2009 photo when our US delegation visited him.

By 2007, he led Holy Family into a full stewardship parish. From the Sunday offerings of his parishioners alone — without any capital fund campaign — he built the first of two church buildings.

Look at the second photo: that is Fr. Manny in those early days, receiving the gifts of his people outdoors. That is stewardship as a way of life.

That is why he received the 2026 Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial Award for Stewardship from the Metro Infanta Foundation.

Now we look for 2027.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN for the 2027 Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial Award for Stewardship

Requirements:
1) 1-2 page letter why nominee — individual, parish, or diocese — deserves the award:
a. Name the diocese
b. How long has he/she embraced stewardship as way of life and why?
c. If parish, how long practiced?
d. If diocese, is entire or most parishes practicing?
e. Signs of success and challenges met
2) Will nominee share photos/videos of achievements?
3) If selected, will you promote and invite people to the presentation?
4) Nominee must not only live stewardship but promoted it outside borders — name parish/diocese mentored
5) Posthumous nominations eligible

Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026
Submit to: [email protected]

Help us find the next Fr. Manny.

Stewardship in action in Bauan, BatangasAttending at Mass today, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time at my home parish, the...
09/20/2026

Stewardship in action in Bauan, Batangas

Attending at Mass today, the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time at my home parish, the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Bauan, Batangas — where I was baptized in 1945 and confirmed on May 3, 1946, during the fiesta mass confirmations. I took part in the altar call to bring forth my offertory envelope the ushers distributed at the entrance of the church.

In the US, parishes have also begun the offerings altar call but it was for children. After the first inter-diocesan stewardship conference in the Archdiocese of Cebu, Fr. Israel Gabriel, parish priest of Sts. Anne and Joachim Parish in General Nakar, Quezon, invited all the faithful — children and adults alike — to join the offerings procession, a practice many parishes now follow.

I decided to join in. And it was grace not only see stewardship in action, but also to take part in it — walking joyfully with the community to place our envelopes (distributed at the entrance to insert our offerings) into the baskets held by liturgical ministers at the front.

To do this in Bauan — home of the Mahal na Poong Santa Cruz, the 1595 Holy Cross found in Alitagtag that our town followed through three relocations for protection from Taal, pirates, and drought — brought everything full circle. The same Cross whose blessing my parents brought home for our birthdays now blessed my giving back.

09/18/2026

Beyond the Arancel: 500 Years in the Philippine Church and a Stewardship Path Forward
Video Companion to UCA News article — September 14, 2026

The Metro Infanta Foundation is pleased to share a video reflection by our President, Mila Glodava, as a companion to her article published by UCA News on September 14, 2026.

In this reflection, President Glodava examines the more than 500-year history of the arancel system in the Philippines, the pastoral efforts to move beyond it since the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines (P*P II), and how a spirituality of stewardship — giving with gratitude as a Christian way of life — may offer a viable, gradual pastoral path toward its abolition, while sustaining our parishes and remaining faithful to the vision of a Church of the Poor.

This initiative is part of the Foundation's continuing mission to foster dialogue, research, and pastoral reflection on issues affecting faith and community life in Infanta and beyond.

We invite you to watch and reflect with us.

Presenter: Mila Glodava, President, Metro Infanta Foundation. Author of "Giving with gratitude can help make the Church more accessible" (UCA News, Sept 14, 2026).

Fr. Francis B. Lucas, Chairman of the Board of Metro Infanta Foundation, and Mila Glodava, President, met with His Excel...
09/17/2026

Fr. Francis B. Lucas, Chairman of the Board of Metro Infanta Foundation, and Mila Glodava, President, met with His Excellency Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, Archbishop of Lipa and CBCP President, at the International Shrine of St. Pio of Pietrelcina in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The meeting was held on the 4th day of the novena leading to the birthday of St. Padre Pio on September 23. Each day of the novena is celebrated by a visiting bishop.

Today's main celebrant was Most Rev. Dennis C. Villarojo, Bishop of Malolos, who as the young priest-secretary of the late Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal coordinated the first Inter-diocesan Conference on Stewardship in January 2003 in Cebu — the historic gathering that laid the foundation for our stewardship mission.

From Cebu in 2003 to Batangas today, we remain grateful for the shepherds who continue to guide stewardship in the Church.
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Change of Venue for Funeral MassFor our beloved Melecia Coronel GarciaAte Lily, Tiya Lily, Ninan...
09/16/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Change of Venue for Funeral Mass

For our beloved Melecia Coronel Garcia
Ate Lily, Tiya Lily, Ninang Lily
December 4, 1933 - September 11, 2026

Dear family and friends,

As many wish to pay their respects to our Ate Lily, the chapel is too small even for our family alone.

The Funeral Mass will now be held at:
St. Mary Magdalene Parish
Barangay Bayanan, San Pascual, Batangas
Friday, September 18, 2026, 9:00 AM
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Francis Lucas

The wake and interment will still conclude at:
Cielo Terra Memorial Garden
Barangay Bayanan - Padre Castillo Road,
San Pascual, Batangas

Thank you for your understanding, prayers, and love for our Ate, Tiya Lily, Ninang Lily. Your love, kindness, and faith will always be remembered.

— Mila Coronel Garcia Glodava, Nony Coronel Garcia and the entire Garcia Family

Sr. Angelica M. Donado, O.Carm + recipient of the 2026 Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial Award for StewardshipSr. Angie...
09/15/2026

Sr. Angelica M. Donado, O.Carm + recipient of the 2026 Cardinal Ricardo J. Vidal Memorial Award for Stewardship

Sr. Angie served as the First Stewardship Coordinator of the Task Force created during the 2003 Inter-diocesan Conference on the Sustainability of the Church of the Poor through Stewardship in Cebu.

With the support of the Socio-Pastoral Institute, Saint Thomas More Parish, and members of the Task Force, she faithfully visited dioceses and parishes nationwide to nurture the stewardship spirit. Her missionary visits bore fruit in “Ako’y Anak ng Diyos” (I am a Child of God), a video featuring the stewardship journey of Saints Anne and Joachim Parish in the Prelature of Infanta — a story that has since inspired countless parishes across the Philippines to embrace stewardship as a way of life.

We honor her pioneering and faithful witness. May her life inspire us to nominate other faithful stewards who continue this mission..

Address

7350 Braun Way
Arvada, CO

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Metro Infanta Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category